THE GOD WHO ROLLS AWAY REPROACH

THE GOD WHO ROLLS AWAY REPROACH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joshua 5:8-9

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 54:4, Psalm 34:5, 1 Samuel 1:6-7, Luke 1:25, Zephaniah 3:19

INTRODUCTION:
Reproach refers to shame, disgrace, mockery, or dishonour placed upon a person because of prolonged affliction, failure, barrenness, or misfortune. Many people carry hidden reproaches that weigh them down emotionally and spiritually. But we serve a God who does not ignore reproach—He removes it completely and restores dignity.
God spoke to Joshua after the circumcision of the Israelites and said, "Today have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you." That same God is still at work today. No matter how long you’ve carried shame, God has the power to roll it away permanently.

1.  GOD IS AWARE OF EVERY REPROACH

a) He sees the secret tears
God is not blind to the silent cries of His people (Exodus 3:7).

b) He knows the source of the shame
Whether spiritual, physical, financial, or emotional, God discerns the root cause (John 4:18).

c) He does not ignore prolonged affliction
The years of Israel’s slavery were counted by God (Exodus 12:40-41).

d) He responds at the appointed time
Though reproach may linger, divine intervention is never late (Habakkuk 2:3).

Biblical Example: Hannah’s reproach of barrenness was remembered and lifted by God when she cried out in faith (1 Samuel 1:10-20).

2.  GOD USES DIVINE CIRCUMCISION TO REMOVE REPROACH

a) Circumcision represents consecration
God demands a heart that is fully yielded to Him (Deuteronomy 10:16).

b) A consecrated life invites divine attention
When we align with God’s will, He acts on our behalf (Romans 12:1-2).

c) Cutting off the flesh precedes breakthrough
The Israelites had to be circumcised before possessing their inheritance (Joshua 5:7-9).

d) Spiritual cleansing precedes elevation
God purifies before He glorifies (Malachi 3:3).

Biblical Example: Jacob had to let go of idols and return to Bethel before God removed the terror of his enemies (Genesis 35:2-5).

3.  GOD ROLLS AWAY REPROACH TO BRING RESTORATION

a) Shame is exchanged for honour
God gives beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for mourning (Isaiah 61:7).

b) Tears are turned into testimonies
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

c) Years of mockery become seasons of celebration
God restores what the locust has eaten (Joel 2:25).

d) Former captives become God's showpiece
He prepares a table before them in the presence of their enemies (Psalm 23:5).

Biblical Example: Elizabeth, once called barren, became the mother of John the Baptist, and her neighbours rejoiced with her (Luke 1:24-25, 57-58).

4.  GOD EMPOWERS HIS PEOPLE TO FORGET THEIR REPROACH

a) He clothes them with garments of salvation
Shame is swallowed by the righteousness of Christ (Isaiah 61:10).

b) He gives a new name and identity
No longer called Forsaken but Hephzibah, the delight of the Lord (Isaiah 62:4).

c) He removes the memory of shame
The former things shall not be remembered (Isaiah 65:17).

d) He silences the voice of mockers
Those who mocked you will see God's glory upon your life (Micah 7:10).

Biblical Example: Joseph named his first son Manasseh, meaning “God has made me forget all my toil and my father’s house” (Genesis 41:51).

CONCLUSION:
God is not only interested in blessing His people—He is committed to removing every mark of reproach that has been placed upon their lives. He sees your pain, He knows the story behind your shame, and He has the power to completely roll it away. As you yield to His process of consecration and trust His timing, the God who rolls away reproach will bring your testimony to light.

There is no reproach too strong for God to remove. He did it before, and He will do it again in your life. Today, your name will change, your shame will vanish, and your joy will overflow in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Father, roll away every reproach in my life by Your mercy.

2.  Lord, remove every visible and invisible shame around me.

3.  Father, deal with the source of every longstanding affliction in my life.

4.  Lord, circumcise my heart and make me wholly Yours.

5.  By the blood of Jesus, let every inherited reproach be destroyed.

6. I reject every identity of shame and disgrace.

7.  Lord, clothe me with honour and restore my lost dignity.

8.  Let every voice mocking me be silenced by my testimony.

9.  Father, make me a vessel of Your glory and joy.

10.  Let my life become a proof that You still roll away reproach.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  Your season of shame is over—God is rolling away your reproach!

2.  Every name the enemy gave you is being changed today!

3.  The God of restoration will cause you to laugh again!

4.  What brought you shame will soon become your testimony!

5.  The Lord shall silence every mocker in your life!

6.  God will make you forget your past pain and sorrow!

7.  Divine honour shall clothe you where you were once disgraced!

8.  Your tears are turning into songs of celebration!

9.  You will not carry that burden of shame anymore!

10. This is your appointed time of divine remembrance and elevation!