INTRODUCTION
As we take time this week to commemorate the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the BLESSED son of God and the BLESSING of God’s Salvation by it to the world, this message hopes to inspire you to reflect on your identity as a BLESSED child of God and beyond reproach.
1. THE ‘BLESSED’ IN REPROACH
The word ‘blessed’ is often appreciated mainly in reference to positive things that happen to us. We hardly would consider reproach or difficult situations as a ‘blessing’, nor would we normally consider ourselves ‘blessed’ when we encounter trials. Brethren, we are blessed in Jesus Christ even in reproach.
Jesus fulfills God’s promise of a “seed” to Abraham, saying, “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”(Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16). Jesus is “…the Messiah, the Son of the blessed One”; the voice from heaven declared of him saying: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”. (Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 14:60-62). And “…ye are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus… And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise”. And whom God has blessed no one can curse. (Galatians 3:14 & 26-29; Numbers 23:8:20).
But being yet ‘beloved’ children of God and ‘blessed’, you could attract reproach from a variety of sources including from: enemies; people that hate you; own “familiar friend” in whom you trusted; your “equal” ; your guide; an acquaintance; Your best friends; those you love, your kinsmen or brethren etc. (see Psalm 55:12-13; 31:11-13; 71:10-11 & 83:3; Job19:19).
1.1 JESUS SUFFERED REPROACH
Jesus suffered every kind of physical, emotional and spiritual hurt that one could suffer: He was the victim of conspiracy, betrayal, hatred, envy and jealousy; blame, disgrace mob violence, scorn, criticisms, scourging, smacking, wounding, mockery persecution, oppression, humiliation, shame, contempt, indignation, rejection pain and grief; false accusation, imprisonment, judgement, condemnation etc. He was spat on, given vinegar to drink; was looted, lots cast for his vesture, crowned with thorns, and he suffered death by crucifixion with thieves. (See Isaiah 53; Psalm 22:14-18; 69:20-21; Matthew 27:34-50; Mark 15:29; Luke 22:63).
And you might ask: how could one who is BLESSED suffer reproach or how can one perceive a BLESSING’ to entail in reproach?
2. BLESSING IN DELIVERANCE
Jesus endured all the reproach to deliver mankind from sin in the ‘Flesh’, which is death, that we may have “eternal life”; that is, TO KNOW “The ONLY TRUE GOD” IN SPIRIT and Jesus His son. (John 3:14-16; 17:2-3). “That the blessing of Abraham might come on the [non-Jews] through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” than by the law. (Galatians 3:14 & 26-29).
For by “being put to death in the flesh [Christ was] quickened by the Spirit” that he might bring us to God whom we can only know truly in the Spirit, because “God is Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18; John 4:21). By the reproach of Christ, Father God “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
For example, in Christ:, “we [are]“holy and without blame before him in love”; we are adopted as God’s children; “we have redemption through his blood and forgiveness of sins” ; the riches of his grace abound to us; we are graced with all wisdom and prudence; we have obtained a predestined eternal inheritance; we know the mystery of His will, heard the word of truth, believed and ye are sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise”; and knowing the exceeding greatness of his power to those who believe etc. (Ephesians 1:4-13,19-20).
He has equipped us with these “spiritual blessings” so that we might like Jesus, endure reproach and trials for his sake as he endured for our sakes.
3. ‘BLESSED’ ARE THE PERSECUTED
Jesus teaches that those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake are “blessed” for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. He teaches further saying: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you”. (Matthew 5:10-12-10).
Brethren, note that the ‘blessing’ do not entail because of the persecution; but rather it attracts persecution. In other words because you are ‘blessed’ with the love of God to live according to his righteousness and to do his will, and trust in Him, you will attract reproach. For instance the scribes and the elders mocked Jesus saying: “He trusts in God. Let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.'” (Matthew 27:43; John 10:29-39).
3.1 TRUSTING GOD
The Psalmist narrates how trusting God could expose one to reproach saying: “… for thy sake I have borne reproach… For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me. (Psalm 69:7-9).
Elsewhere, he presents his complaint saying “I am …a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. (Psalm 22:6-8). In yet another case the psalmist calls on God’s intervention saying: “Keep not thou silence, O God… For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones”. (Psalm 83:1-3).
Also, Nehemiah was despised and scorned by ungodly men for trying to restore the wall around the house of God. (Nehemiah 2:1; 4:1 & 7; 6:13).
Jeremiah’s brethren plotted against him and defamed him for prophesying the word of God. (Jeremiah 18:18; Jeremiah 20:10). And King Hezekiah did not considered the reproach of his adversary as personal, but as against the living God. So he asked the prophet Isaiah to lift up prayer for his people, “[that God] will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard”. (2 kings 19:2-5, 16)
Brethren, be aware that when your enemies reproach you, knowing you fear God, they will ask you “where is thy God”; or in scorn, they will say of you: “He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him”.(Psalm 42:10; Psalm 22:6-8).
But in such circumstances, one must not fret or feel discouraged; “For [to this end] we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe”. (1 Timothy 4:10).
And though “… it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him”, God is aware of all your suffering because you are enduring it for his sake. He will thus remember you and visit you and revenge you of your persecutors. (Philippians 1:29; Psalm 69:19; Jeremiah 15:15). Also, be not ashamed if you suffer for Christ sake, but glorify God on this behalf. (1 Peter 4:16).
4. DWELL IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST THE OVERCOMER
Although reproach can be hurtful, one should not dwell or focus on the reproach which is occurring externally. For reproaches are things which are seen and they are temporal, ‘momentary afflictions’ that do not last.
Rather one should focus on the ‘eternal’ things which are ‘spiritual’ and unseen but can give one joy internally. “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit is of the Lord is, there is liberty” even from reproach. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
To maintain focus on the eternal therefore, give yourself in prayer as often as you can. (Psalm 69:11-13; 91:14). “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” (1 Peter 4:14). So, when reviled, bless; when persecuted, suffer it; and when defamed intreat thy adversaries. (1 Corinthians 4: 12-13). Outwardly you may suffer, yet inwardly you become spiritually renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16)
Be of the mind that YOU ARE BLESSED! Celebrate Jesus, the resurrected Christ, who obtained “all power… in heaven and in earth” on your behalf to set you high beyond reproach. And when you suffer reproach, BE AT PEACE and of good cheer because CHRIST HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD! (Matthew 28:18; John 16:33).
PRAYER
Almighty Father, we thank you for your word.
Holy Father, we acknowledge the offering of your son Jesus Christ and the resurrection by which we are BLESSED with every spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
Dear Lord, establish in us your Righteousness and set us on high, beyond reproach.
Mighty Father, reveal to us the exceeding greatness of your power in Jesus Christ.
Holy Spirit of truth, grace us with all wisdom, prudence and courage to deal with reproach.
I make this prayer In Jesus Name.
A blessed Easter holiday to your families and loved ones.
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG) 04/04/2021.
