Reproach Rolled Away

There is great richness found in the Bible.  Details which are minor and seemingly insignificant can help us better understand other passages of scripture.  My morning Bible reading finds me in the book of Joshua, and I am enjoying reading the familiar passages as if it is the first time.  One detail which stood out to me like never before occurred after the children of Israel passed over Jordan on dry ground.  Obedience to God was required before a visit from the "captain of the LORD's host" and the victory at Jericho.  God commanded the males to be circumcised, for during the 40 years after the exodus from Egypt no males had been circumcised.  Circumcision was commanded under the Law and important because it identified people with the covenant God made with Abraham.

Joshua 5:8-9 states, "So it was, when they had finished circumcising all the people, that they stayed in their places in the camp till they were healed. ⁹ Then the LORD said to Joshua, "This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day."  The name "Gilgal" means "circle of stones, rolled away."  The circumcision of the flesh was the path to healing and wholeness, for in the voluntary shedding of blood people submitted to God in obedience.  The people bore the reproach of Egypt and their neglect of obedience to the Law for decades, but God graciously rolled their reproach away.  "Reproach" is shame and disgrace, and only God can free us from the burden of sin.  It is not the circumcision of the flesh which is now required, but the circumcision of our hearts by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (Deut. 30:6; Acts 15:8-9).

After Jesus was crucified on Calvary, He was wrapped in linen and buried in a tomb carved out of solid rock.  A massive stone was laid on the opening, secured with Pilate's seal, and guarded by Romans.  The sins of the world had been laid upon Christ, and He carried our guilt and shame.  When He rose from the dead, the stone was rolled away from the opening of the tomb.  This reminded me Jesus has rolled away the reproach of sin and shame for all who repent and are born again through trust in Him.  We must be regenerated according to the new covenant in Jesus' blood before we can have our shame rolled away, be at peace with God, and walk in the victory He delights to give us.  In one sense Calvary is our Gilgal, for Jesus has rolled away our reproach and made us righteous in His sight.  Glory to God!