´Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! And smote him with their hands. – John 19:1-3(KJV)
What a contradiction of mockery! The all-powerful, all knowing God was mocked, insulted and smitten by mere mortals whose lives can be snatched out in a second. What a great humility it took for Christ to hold himself and allow such a humiliation on his person. Just some hours before now at the garden of Gethsemane he only asked his arresters whom do you seek and they all fell down flat. The Almighty suspended His powers in order to reach the sinner. He became obedient unto death for the purpose of reaching out to sinners. He paid the price of mockery and shame associated with sin in order to set the sinner free from quilt. Heavy mockery will always precede a supernatural turnaround and a great lifting. It is no wonder then that the bible says “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”. Hebrew 12:2(KJV). Most Christians are ashamed in their workplace to identify with Christ. Sisters who are yet to have issues have been mocked with childlessness. Handicap brethren had suffered countless mockery and reproach for preaching Christ. In all these the bible says “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach” – Hebrew 13:13(KJV) Christ for the joy set before him endured the cross let us also for the joy (John 14:1-4) set before us rejoice when we are reproached for that is a confirmation of our commitment and dedication to the course of the Kingdom. Let us therefore bear the reproach and shame associated with the gospel while looking forward to the appearing of our Lord and Saviour – Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that everyone reading this piece will understand the blessedness of mockery for the sake of the gospel.
Prayer: Father, give me the grace to set my eyes on Christ as I engage in Kingdom advancement endeavours in Jesus name.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo