Reproach for Righteousness

 

     The suffering and agony of Christ while suspended between heaven and earth at Calvary is unfathomable.  It simply is beyond the ability of the human mind to comprehend.

     The focus of the gospel writers was primarily historical in nature—what occurred, when it happened, who was there, where it transpired.  The crucifixion of the Son of God is clearly a well-documented fact of human history.

     Because Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3), the prophets testified beforehand of His sufferings (1 Peter 1:11).   Therefore, there are occasional bursts in the psalms and prophets which clearly record and faintly unveil the emotional pain and affliction experienced within the heart and soul of Immanuel, “God with us”.  Psalm 69:19-21 is one such burst; here, it is written: “You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor; my adversaries are all before You.  Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness; I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.  They also gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.”

     In the heart and soul of every human there is a distinct fear of rejection and utter loneliness.  It is profuse and powerful.  The fear of public humiliation and shame is equally potent.  The emotional spear of open reproach and reviling pierces to the deepest parts of the soul. 

     Esteeming our salvation greater than the reproaches He received, Jesus “Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24).  He endured reproach for being righteous so that you and I could live for righteousness.

     “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33).

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Author: jchowning

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