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Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family.

So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” Heb. 2:11–13

Lord Jesus, we’ve thought, said, and done many things in life for which we bear the marks and weight of shame. Shame is a pillaging thief, one which robs us of dignity, freedom, and joy. Even as we’ve experienced shame, so we have also shamed others. We grieve both.

So when we hear you tell us you’re not ashamed of us, it humbles and heals us like nothing else. You are the only answer for the paralyzing power of shame. No other balm, elixir, anesthetic, or potion can touch our shame. Only you, your grace, and love.

Thank you for doing everything necessary to redeem the ways we’ve been both agents and victims of sin. We freely cry out “Abba, Father” today because you first cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps. 22:1). On the cross, you took the full guilt and the real shame we bear in life.

And now you 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 to worship the Triune God; every time we take the bread and cup of the Lord’s Supper; every time we read the Scriptures looking for you; every time we listen to your voice in creation proclaiming the majesty and mercy of God. Thank you!

Jesus, you’re not ashamed of us, period. This is the theology we defend; make it the doxology in which we delight. So very Amen we pray, in your most compassionate and grace-full name.

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