BEARING HIS REPROACH

BEARING HIS REPROACH

I long to see you enjoying the fulness of joy that is in His presence. I do not see any gain in mere surrender, but my heart would rejoice if you were so entranced with Christ where He is, the greater than Solomon, that you would not only be outside the camp in practice, but also bearing His reproach. There the blessed One hung on a cross for God’s glory and man’s blessing. We have to accept the place with Him. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live, etc. I am indeed thankful that you are so far on as you are, but I desire much more for you. You may retort, Who bears His reproach? Alas! I cannot deny the justness of that retort. But as we enjoy Him where He is now, we are sure to like to be as He was here — Where thou diest, there I will die, says the heart that He has drawn to Himself. Every believer has the benefits of His death, but no one can enjoy Christ in His own life who is earthly and self-occupied. Two things mark the world — She glorified herself, and lived deliciously. One is maintaining position on the earth, and the other is making oneself an object. The man of the world contends that Providence has given him the right and the ability to do so; but the one who is made a member of Christ where Christ has been rejected, is bound to go forth unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach. I heartily desire your blessing, and this assuredly would be followed by a corresponding testimony for Him (here in the scene of His rejection) who has so blessed you. The object of faith is the power of life. Tie Lord bless you much.