Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” Heb. 2:11-13
Dear Lord Jesus, meditating through this portion of Scripture stirs up many feelings, for I am no stranger to shame. I’ve thought, said and done many things in my life of which I am truly ashamed. And I’ve been painfully shamed, and I’ve shamed people I dearly love. Shame is a cruel pillaging thief—one which strikes a blow to our dignity, robbing us of much freedom and joy. It causes us to hide in so many ways—from you, from one another… even from our own hearts.
So when I hear you tell me that you’re not ashamed of me—that you, the King of glory, the judge of all men, are not ashamed of me… it humbles and gladdens me like nothing else. Simultaneously, it buckles my knees in awe and makes my feet want to dance with unrestrained delight. We’re family, no longer strangers—we’re in the same loving family all because of what you’ve done for us! You’re not ashamed of me.
Jesus, you and your grace are the only answer for the paralyzing power of shame. How I praise you for doing everything necessary to deal with the ways I’ve been both an agent and a victim of shame. You came into the world to declare God’s praises to us—to reveal his glory and grace. You did so most profoundly by your work for us on the cross.
In fact, we only dare cry out “Abba, Father” because you first cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps. 22:1). You took the full guilt and the real shame of our sin on the cross. I really do believe this and I really want to experience it more fully. You are our holiness, for we have none in and of ourselves (1 Cor. 1:30). And you’re the only one who can make us holy—the only one who can transform us into your beautiful and loving likeness. And you are doing so right now. Hallelujah! We adore you for such generosity, power and faithfulness.
Again may my heart hear it, Jesus, you’re not ashamed of me, not one bit. This is the theology I defend; make it the doxology in which I delight. So very Amen I pray, in your most compassionate and consuming name.