Jesus is not ashamed to call them (you and me) brothers and sisters. He says, “I (Jesus) will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” … And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me (you and me).” Heb. 2:11–13
Lord Jesus, we bask in the wonders of this passage, for it promises healing and freedom from shame. We have thought, said, and done many things we grieve—things by which shame has marked and marred us. And in our shame (and to our shame), we have shamed others. Forgive us.
Some of our shame, however, isn’t the result of our choices, but the evil of others—including the devil himself. Shame is a pillaging thief, a demeaning demon, a slow-release acid that feasts on dignity, wholeness, and hope. SO, when we hear you tell us you are not ashamed of us, it humbles and heals us like nothing else. Jesus, take us further in and further up.
You are the only answer for the paralyzing, disintegrating, degrading power of shame. There is no other balm, elixir, anesthetic, or potion. On the cross, you took the greatness of our guilt and bore the fullness of our shame. Hallelujah and thank you. We cry “Abba, Father” because you cried “It is finished!”
And now, by the Holy Spirit, you sing to us non-stop of the Father’s love for us—his great delight in us and unwavering desire for us (Rom. 8:16). Turn up the volume! As the Scriptures tell us, all who trust you “will never be put to shame” (Rom. 10:11)—never un-graced or dis-graced. Jesus, more than ever, make this more real, precious, and transforming to us. So Very Amen.