THE VALUE OF CHRIST'S REPROACH AND ITS GREAT REWARD - PART 2

MONDAY 06 JUNE 2022

Christ's reproach was priceless, considering the end result. No wonder the wise sayings attributed to the author, King Solomon, reads, 'The end of a matter is better than the beginning of it, and the patient in spirit than the haughty in spirit. Do not be quick in your spirit to be angry, for irritation settles in the bosom of fools. Do not say, "Why were the earlier days better than these days?" For it is not from wisdom that you inquire this' (Ecclesiastes 7:8-10 MEV).

Beloved, there is such a thing as the artlessness of disgrace. It is simply crude, uncultured and unfiltered, yet it's a perfect tool in God's hand that produces profound favourable outcomes at the end. This is why King Solomon mentioned that it is not wise to ask questions such as "Why was life better in the 'good old days'?", when unplanned disgrace has taken over. If indeed, the Godhead indwells you, just be patient!

Reference: Hebrews 11:26 New International Version (NIV) "He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward."

On one occasion, a High Priest questioned Jesus and He answered him politely. When Jesus concluded his response, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded. Jesus replied, "If I said something wrong, testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest (John 18:20-24 NIV). Now think about a soldier's slap, meaning that He was roughly hit in an oppressive or ruthless manner. What a disgrace!

Beloved, they reproached Christ and he experienced severe injustice and brutality. He demanded that if He had spoken evil, they should bear witness of the evil; but He found no mercy. Yet in all, He used no harsh language, showed no anger and called for zero revenge. He calmly stood and bore it all. Since apt disgrace was in operation, He had to be oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.

Today, Hebrews 11:24-26 (NIV) reveals that "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward." Why on earth would someone well favoured to enjoy life, decide to be mistreated along with a seemingly hopeless and oppressed people? What made Moses choose disgrace in place of pleasure?

This is where Pauline insight or understanding comes in. 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV): "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Beloved, Moses was able to regard the system of divine disgrace because he knew there was something heavier or more than the convenient lightness of transitory enjoyment in the king's palace. So he fixed his eyes on the unseen Christ for greater reward.

In the same vein, the Scripture informs us saying, "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!" (Hebrews 12:2-3 MSG). Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Matthew 16:24; Luke 24:26-27; Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 1:5-7; Philippians 3:10.

Exuberant Declaration: I'm specially called and chosen as a peculiar species to share in the heritage of the Kingdom of God because I'm partaker of the divine nature. Through diverse trials, I share in the sufferings of Christ. Hence, I partake of the unlimited inheritance of glory which I share with Christ as a heir of God. Glory to God!