THIS REPROACH MUST END

"Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day" - Joshua 5:9

The word “reproach” means disgrace, shame, discredit or stigma. Several situations or occurrences could make one to be termed as a reproach or an object of reproach in life. Often times, these reproaches becomes our appellation. For example, the reproach called "blindness" was the appellation of Bartimaeus the son of Timaeus for a long time. But one day, God intervened and put an end to that reproach in his life (Mark 10:46-52).

In Genesis 30, the Bible tells us the story of two sisters, Leah and Rachel - the wives of Jacob. Leah had children even though her husband did not love her. But Rachel was barren. At the time Leah had borne six boys and one girl, Rachel was yet to be pregnant. 

Barrenness was such a reproach to Rachel that she envied her sister and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!” (Genesis 30:1). But Jacob who had no power to take away this reproach told her categorically that only God can help her (Genesis 30:2). Yes, Jacob was actually right. Only God can remove the reproach of barrenness; no human being can. Even the most sophisticated medical innovations and support systems can still fail. Only God gives children as doctors can only try their best. Therefore, Jacob directed Rachel’s attention to the right Person; God. He was practically telling Rachel to go to the delivery room of heaven to collect her Joseph.

Rachel eventually did and God showed up for her. When it looked as if Rachel would die childless, God visited her and terminated her reproach (Genesis 30:22-24). 

Beloved, maybe you are feeling like Rachel today because of a certain reproach in your life. You feel like it’s either your condition changes or you die. Don’t contemplate suicide like Rachel. Please take your gaze away from your Jacob and start looking to the God who can take away this reproach. It doesn't matter if it is the reproach of barrenness, ill-health, poverty, loneliness or unemployment. God can terminate any reproach.

The God who remembered Rachel and put an end to her reproach will remember you too in your present condition and take away your reproach. Don’t lose hope; don’t give up on God. Your name is still on Heaven's priority list.

God specializes in terminating reproach. What He did for Rachel, He had earlier done for Sarah. Abraham was one hundred years old when his son, Isaac, was born to him while Sarah was ninety years old. Despite their old age, God didn’t change His promise to give them a child and make them the father and mother of many nations. Friends, don’t lose hope. God who made Sarah laugh will make you laugh too. He who took away the reproach of Sarah will take away yours too.

Also, God took away the reproach of barrenness from Hannah, who was taunted by her rival, Peninnah. But one day God remembered Hannah (1 Samuel 1:20). The God who terminated the reproach of Hannah will remove whatever is representing a reproach in your life too.

This same God also rolled away the reproach of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt and before they entered Jericho (Joshua 5:8-9). Please be expectant too because God will roll away your reproach too.

The lyrics of an old time gospel song seems to drive home the fact that God is still in the business of rolling away our reproach. But we must first be in right standing with Him by forsaking our sins and accepting the sacrifice that Christ made for us on the cross of Calvary for the remission of our sins. There is no better moment to make that great decision for Jesus Christ than today. Please do and you will never regret you did. 

IT IS NO SECRET by Stuart Hamblen, 1951

The chimes of time ring out the news, another day is through

Someone slipped and fell, was that someone you?

You may have longed for added strength your courage to renew

Do not be disheartened, I have news for you

It is no secret what God can do

What he's done for others he'll do for you

With arms wide open, he'll pardon you

It is no secret what God can do

There is no night for in his light you'll never walk alone

You'll always feel at home, wherever you may roam

There is no power can conquer you while God is on your side

Take him at his promise, don't run away and hide

It is no secret what God can do

What he's done for others he'll do for you

With arms wide open he'll pardon you

It is no secret what God can do

As we enter the delivery room (September) of year 2024, God will show up for many Sarahs, Rachels, Hannahs and Elizabeths with their bundles of joy. The Almighty God will roll away everything that  represents reproach in our lives. As the Lord lives, before we step out of the delivery room of this year, we shall carry our Joseph, Samuel, Isaac and John testimonies in Jesus name.  

On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord- Pastor E.A Adeboye, I would like to invite you to our September 2024 Special Holy Ghost Service - which is specifically for people trusting God for the fruit of the womb. Theme: HEAVENLY REWARDS. Date: Friday, September 6th, 2024. Venue: The Redemption City of God, Mowe, Nigeria. 

You are also cordially invited to our 2024 Delivery Room Encounter at our beautiful garden of Praise and Prayer. RCCG, Place of His Power. Date: All Sundays in September 2024. 

Good day. Happy new month in advance. God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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