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For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.Hebrews 13:11-13
Jesus suffered “outside the camp.” What a stark picture of loneliness and solitude. He suffered while hundreds, perhaps thousands, passed by. Yet, He suffered alone.
He was not in the camp. He was not in the mainstream. He was not among those who followed the popular school of thought in His day. He offered a radically different message: one of righteousness and mercy, judgment and forgiveness.
He loved the unlovely. He exposed hypocrisy. He told the truth.
Now, the writer of Hebrews stirs us to action. He rallies the Christian troops with the words, “Let US go to him, OUTSIDE the camp, BEARING his reproach.” Let us be less concerned about how we “look” to others, or that we might “appear” fanatical, or that we might not find ourselves in the “mainstream,” and more concerned with having a real, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
No one can have both.
You cannot walk with the “world” and Christ. He is always going to be outside the camp.
So, choose, my friend. Will it be Christ or the crowd? Are you willing to bear the abuse that accompanies surrender to His will and Word? Which do you desire more – a place in the camp today, or that city to come?
A Prayer For Today: Lord Jesus, I choose You. I will come to You and follow You regardless of the cost. No earthly acclaim or acknowledgement can take Your place in my life. And no human reproach can compare to the joy You give to me. Give me strength and grace, Lord. Amen.”
