Posted on 11/27/2016 8:20:49 PM PST by metmom
Moses considered "the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen" (Heb. 11:26-27).
When you suffer for Christ, you bear His reproach.
How could Moses, who lived 1,500 years before Christ, bear His reproach? Christ is the Greek form of the Hebrew title Messiah, the Anointed One. Many Old Testament personalities were spoken of as being anointed for special service to the Lord. Some have suggested that Moses was thinking of himself as a type of messiah, for he delivered his people from the Egyptian bondage. They would translate verse 26 as, "Considering the reproach of his own messiahship as God's deliverer."
However, it seems best to see this verse as a reference to Jesus Himself, the future great Deliverer. We don't know how much knowledge Moses had of Jesus, but certainly it was more than Abraham, of whom Jesus said, "Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad" (John 8:56).
The Messiah has always been identified with His people. When they suffer for righteousness' sake, they suffer in His place. That's why David said, "The reproaches of those who reproach Thee have fallen on me" (Ps. 69:9). Speaking from a New Testament perspective, Paul made a similar statement: "I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus" (Gal. 6:17).
There's also a sense in which Christ suffers with His people. When Jesus confronted Paul, who was heavily persecuting the church, He said, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? . . . I am Jesus whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:4-5).
Moses chose to turn his back on Pharaoh's household and identify with God's people because he knew that suffering for Christ was far better than enjoying the riches of Egypt. At some point in time you too will be persecuted for Christ's sake (2 Tim. 3:12), so be prepared. When that time comes, follow Moses' example of faith and courage, knowing that God will be your shield and your reward (cf. Gen. 15:1).
Suggestions for Prayer
Follow the examples of the apostles by thanking God for the privilege of bearing a small portion of the reproach that the world aims at Christ (Acts 5:27-41).
For Further Study
Memorize Psalm 27:1 as a source of encouragement when facing difficulty.
Studying God’s Word ping
What “reproach” where does that come from? Did you know that Jesus was the atonement for our sins ON THE CROSS? He died on the cross as a living sacrifice for OUR sins. We are saved if we believe in Him as the Son of God . John 3:16-18, Go read it. “Reproach” my eye. What a joke.
You posted to your own post?
Nonsense!
Don’t understand your anger as MacArthur is quoting scripture; “reproach of Christ “ is in the Bible.
BELIEVERS are in the world but not of it. There is no disputing that 'the world' views Jesus's righteousness as a reproach to their sin nature. They do not believe they need His Holy Grace because they are unable in their fallen state to see their own sin nature as terminal. Thuis 'the world' is insulted by Jesus's condemnation of the sin nature we all have.
When the brass snake was lifted up on the pole, no doubt there were many scoffers insulted by such a simple solution to the poison of the snakes ... those who look and were healed did not see it as a reproach to believe the Promise of God. Those with the poison, rejecting the Promise, not so much.
It’s called “pinging” a group to the thread.
Amen!
bookmark
It’s the only way to notify thee ping list.
And sometimes people do that.
There’s no law against it.
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