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’ve thought, said, and done a lot of things about which I am truly ashamed. I’ve been painfully shamed, and I’ve inexcusably shamed people I dearly love. Shame is a pillaging thief, one which robs us of dignity, freedom, and joy. So when I hear you say you’re not ashamed of us—that you’re not ashamed to call me your brother—it humbles and gladdens me like nothing else.
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. How we praise you for doing everything necessary to deal with the ways we’ve been both agents and victims of sin—sin which has led to multiple layers of shame.
We freely cry, “Abba, Father,” because you first cried out, “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. I really do believe this and I really want to experience it more fully with every cell of my being.
Because God has hidden our lives in yours, Jesus, we’re now “of the same family.” What more could we possibly want in this life and the life to come? 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. This great, grace work of redemption you began for us you will complete in us. Hallelujah, many times over!
And, as though that wasn’t enough, right now you’re constantly sing to us of the Father’s love—you declare his praises to our hearts every time we hear the gospel; every time we gather with our brothers and sisters to worship the Triune God; every time we take the bread and cup of holy communion; every time we read the Scriptures; every time we listen to your voice in creation proclaiming the majesty and mercy of God.
Jesus, you’re not ashamed of us—you’re not ashamed of me. Glory, glory, glory! This is the theology I passionately defend. Make it the doxology in which I fully delight. So very Amen I pray with joy, in your most holy and compassionate name.
