Write From My
Heart / November 10,
2020 / Do Not Fear Reproach
Isaiah 51:7-8 (NIV) Hear me, you who know what is right, you
people who have my law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be
terrified by their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the
worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my
salvation through all generations.
Reproach. Well, I know that must be
a negative word, something that's not good. I can tell that much from the context
of the sentence. But what does reproach actually mean? The word reproach
means something that is said to disapprove, blame, discredit, or disgrace someone
else.
In this passage, although Isaiah is bringing comfort to Israel, I believe
it speaks directly to God’s people even today. Let’s face it, everywhere we
turn—news sources, social media sources, protest gatherings—we are seemingly
surrounded by words of reproach, blame, discredit, insults. Sadly, it isn’t always
“one-sided.” Is there ever a proper time for reproach? Actually, I think there
is a proper time.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture
is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training
in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every
good work.
Now our question becomes, how do
these two passages work together? It is Scripture which brings reproach and
rebuke to all sin and wrong. When we are rebuked or reproached by God’s Word to
put away sinful things; this is appropriate and much needed for us to move forward.
That is what guides us in righteousness, or as some say being in “right-standing”
with God.
The Isaiah passage is speaking to
those who know what is right and are living according to God’s ways, and yet they
are being insulted by those doing wrong or having wrongful motives. If we know
what is right according to Scripture, if we are striving to live according to
God’s Word every day, then we are not to be fearful or terrified at the insults
and slander of others. Evil will come and go. God’s righteousness will last
forever. God’s salvation is available to all generations.
Bottom line? When the Bible reproaches
us for wrongful ways it is what we need. When men without God in their hearts reproach
us because we do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, we are to stand firm
and have no fear. God’s righteousness will prevail.
Gracious
Heavenly Father,
The anger and hateful words seem to be
overwhelming us. We thank you for the times when we receive correction and
reproach from your Word. We understand how that guides us in righteous living.
Now we ask for your strength and courage to withstand the insults of others.
Keep our responses peaceful yet steadfast and unwavering. Your righteousness
lasts forever and it is our strength and hope.
In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord
and Savior, Amen.
