Daily Devotional for Friday, September 9

Reproach Removed

The power of the cross of Jesus Christ is that we are forgiven, never to stand in reproach before the mighty maker who is our God. Before we experience that power, the burden of our sin clings to us like a growth. That reproach is the natural state of fallen humanity. They are the carnal desires, unrestrained thoughts, the rebellious heart that are very much a part of us. We know no difference naturally, and yet God sees it all along and finds it repulsive and demands its expulsion. 

Perhaps the reason we are not quick to remove the reproach of our sin is that we do not see it as Jesus did. He saw the clenched fist, and He heard the mocking voices of traitors against the King of kings and Lord of lords. Yes, the reproach of sin, its price so bloody is truly ours to bear. You know and God knows what it is that stands between you and intimacy with the Holy One of Heaven. 

Sometimes, an entire generation wanders through life without recognizing that even that which is hidden, that sin, out of sight, out of mind hinders the Lord from executing His great plan. We take great pains to clothe it, so its shame does not leave us naked and vulnerable before the wrath of God, but He desires each of us, individually, to come to a hill called Gilgal. Gilgal means to roll away. 

Jesus suffered and died on a hill called Calvary so you can cut sin out of your life. When you accept His forgiveness, your sin is rolled away, and you are uniquely different from the rest of the world. God, no longer repulsed, can use you in His great work. 

REFLECTION: What sin in your life needs to be removed so God can do His great work in you?

David Thompson