For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” Heb. 2:11-13
Dear Lord Jesus, I treasure this portion of the Word, for several reasons, but especially for how it addresses the issue of our shame. Shame is a pillaging thief—a marauding bandit of our dignity, freedom, and joy. So when I hear you say you’re not ashamed of us—that you’re not ashamed to call me yours, it humbles and gladdens me like nothing else.
Indeed, Jesus, you’re the only one who can break the binding power of our shame because you have completely broken the condemning power of our guilt. Thank you for doing everything necessary to deal with the ways we’ve been both agents and victims of sin—sin that has led to multiple layers of shame.
We now freely cry, “Abba, Father,” because you first cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). You took all the guilt and all the shame of our sin on the cross. This is my theology; make it my doxology—my life-giving song of praise to you.
And, Lord Jesus, you’re the only one who can make us holy, for you are our wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, our holiness, and our redemption (1 Cor. 1:30). What peace, what transcendent and everlasting peace this brings to our hearts. It’s all of grace, from beginning to end.
Now you constantly sing to us about the Father’s love—you declare his praise every time we hear the gospel; every time we gather to worship in Spirit and in truth; every time we read the Scriptures or drink in the wonders of creation. You are always proclaiming the majesty and mercy of God.
Lord Jesus, I cannot hear this too often or too loudly—you’re Jesus, not ashamed of us—you’re not ashamed of me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. So very Amen I pray, in your most holy and compassionate name.