“Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth.” Isa. 54:4 (ESV)
Jesus, we’re thankful today for the healing truths of the Scriptures. and the liberating power of the gospel. Especially where shame lingers, doing its dastardly, disintegrating work. Indeed, the elimination of all shame is one of the things we’re most looking forward to when you return.
Never again will we feel dis-graced, only fully-graced. Never again will we hide in plain sight, because of the wounds that took our voices, hearts, and dignity. Never again will we feel the contemptuous, paralyzing power of shame. There won’t be any desire to cover up, look down, or run away… O, blessed thought… O, glorious freedom.
The Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” Rom. 10:11 (ESV)
How can we be certain? Because, on the cross, you bore the full weight of our guilt and shattered the power of our shame. And now, you neither despise our weaknesses nor spurn our brokenness.
You don’t turn away from us when we feel fractured or fragile, too self-aware or easily condemned. You’ve clothed us with the garments of grace and the perfection of your righteousness. We praise you, Jesus, for your tenderness, understanding, and compassion.
Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Rom. 5:5 (ESV)
Indeed, the promise of a shame-free eternity isn’t self-hype, but a sure hope. As we wait for the Day of complete healing, we live in the day of your lavish love and constant delight. May the Spirit’s ongoing testimony to our beloved-ness drown out all other grace-less voices and noise. So very Amen we pray, Jesus, in your wonderful, merciful name.
