Shake the Dust Off

Wordcast

Opening Verse

“And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.”
— Luke 9:5 (KJV)

Introduction

Jesus didn’t say to beg or argue. He said, “shake off the dust.” When the message of the Gospel is rejected, we are not called to linger in disappointment. We are called to move forward with urgency and obedience. The work is too great, the time too short.

Devotional Story

There was a young believer who began sharing Christ in his workplace. He handed out tracts, invited coworkers to church, and tried to live out his faith boldly. But day after day, they mocked him. One coworker even tore up a Bible tract in front of him.

At first, he was crushed. He wanted so badly for them to believe. But then he remembered Luke 9:5. Jesus didn’t say, “Keep trying until they break down.” He said, “Shake the dust off.” So the young man stopped pushing and started praying. He refocused on those who were open and hungry. Eventually, a quiet janitor approached him after weeks of silence and whispered, “I’ve been listening. Can you pray for me?”

Sometimes, obedience means letting go.

What This Means

Jesus gives us a strategy for spiritual rejection: don’t dwell on it. Don’t let discouragement root in your heart. Not everyone will receive the Gospel, but the mission doesn’t stop. We are not the Savior — He is. Our job is to preach, not to persuade by force. When hearts are hard, we must trust the Holy Spirit and move on to the next soul who needs Christ.

Think About This

• Are you stuck trying to convince someone who keeps rejecting Christ?

• Have you mistaken their resistance as a sign to try harder, instead of to obey faster?

• Are you willing to walk away when Jesus says move on?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom to know when to stay and when to go. Help me not to be discouraged when Your message is rejected. Remind me that I am a messenger, not the Messiah. Give me boldness, but also obedience. Let me walk in step with Your Spirit and not waste time where hearts are closed. Open new doors. Prepare fresh soil. And keep me moving for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
— 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)