Day 19 – Shame & Redemption
Paul declared, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole’” (Galatians 3:13).
Through his death on the cross, Christ took upon himself our guilt and shame and set us free.
No matter what shame we experience, Jesus carried that shame and took it away. He was shamed in every way – physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, spiritually. But he himself refused to be shamed.
• He took our sin upon himself, so we could be forgiven.
• He took our sicknesses upon himself, so we could be healed.
• He took our shame upon himself, so we could be set free.
As Christ followers, how do we get rid of our sin? We confess it to God, believe that Jesus carried it, and we let it go. God’s grace is applied to our souls. We are forgiven.
How do we get rid of our shame? Shame is like an old beggar’s coat that is thrown upon us and covers us. It’s a stinky garment and it sticks to our souls. So we throw it off and release it to God. Every time shame comes back upon us, we pray it away and throw it off again.
We follow Jesus’ example to be indifferent to shame – scorn it, despise it, disregard it, endure it, expose it, put up with it, rise above it (Hebrews 12:2).
We recall how God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). How he heals the brokenhearted and binds up our wounds (Psalm 147:3). How in our weakness, he makes us strong through Christ (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Through his life and teachings, Jesus empowered and honored those who were shamed. Through his death on the cross, he suffered the greatest shame before others and God. Through his resurrection from the dead, humanity’s shame was removed and replaced with glory and honor.
We don’t need to take in shame upon ourselves. Jesus already took our shame and carried it away. Jesus is not only our sin-bearer. Jesus is our shame-bearer.
Today: Pray through a Psalm of lament (e.g., Psalm 6, 10, 38, 42-43, 130) verbalizing your sin and sorrow and shame and seeking release and freedom in Christ.
~ Pastor Dave
