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Key Bible Verse: Accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7). Bonus Reading: Romans 15:1-6

Campbell Morgan was one of 150 young men who sought entrance to the Wesleyan ministry [in Britain] in 1888. He passed the doctrinal examinations, but then faced the trial sermon. In a cavernous auditorium that could seat more than 1,000 sat three ministers and 75 others who came to listen.

When Morgan stepped into the pulpit, the vast room and searching, critical eyes caught him up short. Two weeks later Morgan's name appeared among the 105 rejected for the ministry that year.

Jill Morgan, his daughter-in-law, wrote in her book, A Man of the Word: "He wired to his father the one word, 'Rejected,' and sat down to write in his diary: 'Very dark everything seems. Still, He knoweth best.'

"Quickly came the reply: 'Rejected on earth. Accepted in Heaven. Dad.'"

Rejection is rarely permanent, as Morgan went on to prove. [His skill at oratory and biblical insight eventually led to his pastoring Westminster Chapel in London and to 54 teaching visits to America. The biblical commentaries he wrote set the standard for several generations.] Even in this life, circumstances change, and ultimately, there is no rejection of those accepted by Christ.

—Craig Brian Larson in Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching

• How can God's acceptance of you change your response to rejection?

Thought to Apply: Encouragement is oxygen to the soul.

—GEORGE M. ADAMS (PASTOR, 19TH CENTURY)

Credits: Adapted from—Thursday: Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching (Baker, 1993)

Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity. For reprint information click here.

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