Read Hebrews 5:9–10
Once made perfect, [Jesus] became the source of eternal salvation
for all who obey him.
Hebrews 5:9
When Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a young preacher in London,
his successful ministry aroused the envy of some of the clergy, and
they attacked him with various kinds of slander and gossip. His sermons were called “trashy,” and he was called “an actor” and “a pulpit
buffoon.” Even after his ministry was established, Spurgeon was lied
about in the press (including the religious press), and this was bound
to discourage him.
After one particularly scurrilous report in the press, Spurgeon fell
before the Lord and prayed, “O Lord Jesus, Thou didst make Thyself
of no reputation for me. I willingly lay my reputation down for Thy
sake.” From that time on, Spurgeon had peace in his heart. He knew
that his Great High Priest understood his need and would give him
the grace he needed for each hour.
Something to Ponder
Have you ever been so devoted to Jesus that others questioned your
reputation or motives? If so, how did you respond?