“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16
If you’ve been churched long enough you have probably heard this passage preached with the charge to be bold in your faith – to not be ashamed.
The fact the Bible tells us not to be ashamed implies God knows we will be. And at times we are, right? Aren’t we just like Peter – denying Him?
Maybe not denouncing Christianity, but not proclaiming Him either.
- We stay quiet in controversial issues.
- We ignore those commandments and passages we deem outdated or not that big of deal.
- We gossip and slander others – others made in His image – just like us.
- We neglect the necessity of the church and being part of the body.
- We value independence, negating our vital need for dependence on Him.
- We pridefully think we can “just do it” so we don’t turn to Him as our only source of strength.
- We seek to be in control because we don’t like His ways.
- We turn to idols because He isn’t enough for us.
I could go on and on, but that’s enough to lead to my real point…
“… he is not ashamed to call them brothers…” Hebrews 2:11
HE IS NOT ASHAMED TO CALL US BROTHERS!
Did you catch the irony? In my study of Hebrews this stopped me in my tracks. It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad.
We are ashamed of The King of the Universe and Author of our Salvation. YET He calls us – wretched sinners that we are – His brothers and is not ashamed!
He binds himself to us despite the fact we often act as if we are estranged – as if we have no connection at all.
Wow! What is wrong with this picture?
Obviously, SIN. But that’s what makes this so beautiful!
Our sin does not keep Him from uniting Himself to us and making us part of His family! Not only is He not ashamed, calling us brothers, but Hebrews goes on to say He declares God’s name and sings God’s praises to His brothers.
Hallelujah! This is what we need to hear – what we must hear.
To hear of the One who sent His Son to be made perfect through suffering so that we might be saved. To hear that because of His great love for us, He endured all the pain and suffering of this world and the shame of the cross!
Again, wow! Just stop and let the gospel sink in.
He became sin and shame for those of us who are sinners and ashamed. That is how much He loves us and the extent He went to make us His friends.
Let this gospel truth explode in your heart, for it alone is the power to salvation. It alone brings freedom and gives life. It alone transforms our hearts as we see more of who He is for us despite who we are.
Thank you, Jesus, that you are not ashamed of me!
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