Faith Life 51 (Esteeming the reproach of Christ by Faith)

 Ayoola Fakeye

Esteeming the reproach of Christ by Faith.

 

“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” Hebrews‬ ‭11:24-26‬ ‭

 

Let me ask you a question, “which one would you prefer? That your name is engraved upon the stone tomb of Egypt and her history book, or that your name is written in God's Holy book.”

 

Apart from Jesus and David, Moses’ name appears the most in the bible because He yielded in faith to God and God used him powerfully. By God's grace, we have also been  impacted by the wonderful working of God through this man—Moses.

 

Initially, from a natural standpoint, it doesn't look like Moses was making the right decision. I am sure a lot would have cussed him and called him different kinds of names for the decision he took to follow the Lord. But the Bible calls it riches. It is great riches to choose God above anything this world can offer. It is great because the riches are not used up here below, but it’ll be eternal and unending riches in your account. Hallelujah!

 

The text tells us that Moses’ attempt to follow Jesus, made him bear the reproach of Christ. A man who is not ready to bear the reproach of Christ can never follow him!

 

What does it mean to esteem or bear the reproach of Christ?

 

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world; therefore the world hates you.” John‬ ‭15:18-19‬ ‭‬‬

 

Jesus told His disciples that when the world hates them, they should remember it hates him first. Christ was making them aware that He suffered hatred from the world. He has laid a pattern for living the type of life that He lived. The life that was in complete dominance over everything, and this is the life we now have in Him. Therefore, anyone who desires to follow Jesus must also follow the path that He followed. As Christians who have been anointed by Christ, we shall suffer reproach from the world, just as Jesus has said.

 

This may not be a popular message on the pulpit today, but this is apt! It is all over the pages of the Bible.

 

Let us see some reproaches Jesus Himself suffered, and these are likely to be some of which we shall also suffer if we are truly following Christ.

 

“For to this you were called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” I Peter‬ ‭2:21-24‬ ‭

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The Apostle was admonishing  saints who were victimized in the hand of Nero, the wicked Emperor.

 

He told them of the different reproaches Christ suffered, just to show us an example. Furthermore, He told them that they have been called into this same suffering.

 

Beloved, if there is anyone that should be treated with great honor and respect; reference and regards, then it has to be Christ. This man, Christ, didn't commit any crime. He was not like us. He was perfect among men, yet they dishonored Him.

 

Jesus was reviled. That is, Jesus was verbally abused. He suffered hate and rejection, but didn't retaliate. He could have called legions at every slight provocation, but that is not my Christ.

 

The Savior of the world came to the world to redeem men from sin and damnation, yet they hated him. But this doesn't change his reaction and intention towards us to be our savior and lover. He didn't allow the toxicity of men to affect Him and change His intention to redeem man.

 

This is undoubtedly the life we have been called to live. That is why you will need to trust our predecessor to help us take the path He took as a man.

 

Beloved, if you are not prepared to walk in the pattern Christ has set, then we are not prepared to enjoy the riches of Christ's reproaches. 

 

How have you been bearing the reproach of Christ? Many Christians are very political about their identity with Christ because they want to avoid rejection. If you want to avoid suffering discomfort, rejection, and embarrassment because of your identification with Christ, then you need help. And the Holy Spirit is always with you to supply the help required. Just be humbled before Him.