“Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand. When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.” (Psalm 39:10,11)
How we yearn to be thought well of! It must have been sweet for David to hear the praises of the women singing: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” But because of his sin, the popular king, who was once held in such great esteem, was “slipping in the polls.” In distress he pleaded with God, “Make me not the reproach of the foolish!” (Ps. 39:8) But then it became clear to him: to correct men for their iniquity, God chastises in such a way that their reputation and beauty becomes as nothing.
The “stroke” of God that David prayed would be taken away from him was the bruising Jesus endured. The King of Glory, the sinless Lamb of God, was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. He laid aside His glory and had no beauty that any should desire Him or sing His praises. In His death, His dignity was consumed that our dignity could be restored. The chastisement and the stripes due us fell upon Him so that we might be healed of our vanity and pride. The praise men yearn to have and are desperate not to lose, He willingly sacrificed for us.
May we glory in the King of kings and sing the praises of the most beautiful One! May we walk in His footsteps and patiently bear the reproach of the foolish. This is true beauty, grace, and glory! By bearing our shame, He has clothed us in a greater dignity than we ever had.