FROM REPROACH TO REJOICING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Joshua 5:1-9
Key Verse: “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, NIV)
Supporting Texts: Psalm 30:11; Isaiah 61:7; Joel 2:26-27; Zephaniah 3:19-20
INTRODUCTION:
Reproach is a painful experience in human life. It represents shame, mockery, ridicule, and a constant reminder of past failures or conditions that make people despise us. Many people carry hidden burdens of reproach whether it is the reproach of barrenness, financial lack, sickness, family background, or the mistakes of the past. But God is a faithful Father who never allows His children to remain in shame forever.
When God intervenes in the life of His people, reproach is rolled away. In Joshua 5, God declared to Israel that the reproach of Egypt had been removed. For years, their slavery, wandering, and defeat had been like a stain upon them, but God ushered them into a new season where shame was replaced with dignity. In the same way, no matter how long reproach has lingered in your life, the power of God can bring you into rejoicing.
This message is a reminder that your season of reproach is not permanent. God has promised to turn mourning into dancing and to clothe His children with garments of praise. If you trust in Him and hold on to His promises, you will surely move from reproach to rejoicing.
1. GOD ROLLS AWAY THE REPROACH OF THE PAST
God does not allow the shame of yesterday to define the destiny of His children.
a) Reproach of slavery (Exodus 3:7): Israel’s years of bondage in Egypt symbolised humiliation, but God brought them out with a mighty hand.
b) Reproach of failure (Micah 7:8): Even if you have fallen in the past, God lifts you up and silences your enemies.
c) Reproach of sin (Isaiah 1:18): The blood of Jesus washes away every stain and makes you clean.
d) Reproach of delay (Habakkuk 2:3): Even if your testimony seems delayed, God’s timing will bring perfect glory.
Biblical Example: The woman caught in adultery faced public reproach, but Jesus defended her, forgave her, and restored her dignity (John 8:3-11).
2. GOD TURNS SHAME INTO HONOUR
When God steps in, He transforms disgrace into double honour.
a) Exchange of shame for glory (Isaiah 61:7): Where there was humiliation, God promises double blessing.
b) God lifts the lowly (Psalm 113:7-8): He raises the poor from the dust and seats them with princes.
c) God gives a new identity (2 Corinthians 5:17): In Christ, your past shame no longer defines you.
d) God makes you a testimony (Zephaniah 3:19): He changes your name from mocked to celebrated.
Biblical Example: Hannah moved from the reproach of barrenness to rejoicing when God gave her Samuel (1 Samuel 1:19-20).
3. GOD BRINGS JOY OUT OF SORROW
Every season of tears has an appointed end when God turns sorrow into joy.
a) God turns mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11): He replaces sackcloth with garments of praise.
b) Weeping endures for a night (Psalm 30:5): But joy always comes in the morning.
c) God restores lost years (Joel 2:25-26): He satisfies His people and removes their shame.
d) Joy is the inheritance of God’s people (Isaiah 35:10): Everlasting joy shall be upon the heads of the redeemed.
Biblical Example: Sarah laughed after years of reproach when she gave birth to Isaac, saying, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me” (Genesis 21:6).
4. GOD MAKES YOU A SOURCE OF PRAISE AND REJOICING
When reproach is removed, your life becomes a testimony that glorifies God.
a) God magnifies His name through you (Psalm 126:1-2): People will testify that the Lord has done great things for you.
b) Your story becomes a song (Isaiah 12:3): With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
c) God makes you a reference point of blessing (Genesis 12:2): Your life becomes an example others celebrate.
d) God’s favour shines upon you (Psalm 5:12): You are crowned with divine favour as a shield.
Biblical Example: Elizabeth’s reproach of barrenness was removed, and her neighbours rejoiced with her when John the Baptist was born (Luke 1:57-58).
CONCLUSION:
No matter how deep or long reproach has lasted in your life, the God of Israel who rolled away the reproach of Egypt is still alive today. He is able to turn your tears into testimony and your shame into songs of rejoicing. Your days of mockery are over, and your days of celebration have begun.
As you put your trust in God and surrender fully to His will, He will surely roll away every reproach in your life and establish you in joy, honour, and divine celebration.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, roll away every reproach in my life by Your mighty hand.
2. Father, let my past failures never define my future.
3. Lord, turn every shame in my life into honour.
4. Father, clothe me with garments of praise instead of mourning.
5. Lord, silence every voice of mockery against me.
6. Father, restore every lost opportunity in my life.
7. Lord, give me double honour where I have experienced disgrace.
8. Father, let my testimony cause many to glorify Your name.
9. Lord, establish my joy and let it never be taken away.
10. Father, make me a living testimony of Your power to remove reproach.
