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| Vol. 12 No. 9 September 2010 | Page 11 |
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| Vol. 12 No. 9 September 2010 | Page 11 |
Dean Kelly
We know that we must be ashamed of sin. Jeremiah condemned the people of Judah because they were not ashamed, and were not able to blush (Jeremiah 6:15; 8:12). He noted that, despite obvious punishment from God, they refused to be ashamed (Jeremiah 3:3). Isaiah spoke of those who created graven images, and who failed to recognize God. He said, “they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed” (Isaiah 44:8-10). It is easy, I think, for us to look at the “bad” people, and to know that they should be ashamed. It is harder to bring it down to ourselves.
Ezra said, “O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up into the heavens” (Ezra 9:6). Jeremiah, once again, stated: “I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastened, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou are the Lord my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth” (Jeremiah 31:18-20).
Ezekiel spoke often of the need to be ashamed (Ezekiel 16:61; 36:32; 43:10). We should recognize sin in our lives and be ashamed of that sin. We must bring it to God, and act in true repentance and obedience. That is the true result of our being honestly ashamed of our actions.
It is not hard to realize that we need to be ashamed for the evil things done in our life. We ought to be aware of the sin that has separated us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), and of the weakness that we find in our lives. However, I was reminded of a very sobering thought this past Sunday during the Lord’s Supper. During a prayer at the table, this thought was expressed: “We are ashamed because our sins caused this death.” When I heard these words, it struck me that I am afraid that we do not take the Lord’s Supper seriously enough, and by extension, that we may not take the sacrifice that was done on our behalf seriously enough.
The death on the cross was for the whole world, there is no doubt. However, it was more specifically for each person, including you and me. Paul told the brethren in the churches of Galatia, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20). Christ was on that cross because of me!
Yes, the jealous leaders of the Jewish people crucified Jesus. Yes, Pilate, who tried unsuccessfully to wash his hands of the responsibility, crucified Jesus. Yes, the Roman soldiers who ridiculed our Lord, and nailed His hands and feet to the cross crucified Jesus. However, ultimately, it was I who crucified Jesus, and I can live in such a way as to crucify Him again, according to the Scriptures (Hebrews 6:6).
Next Lord’s Day, when the Lord’s Supper is being passed around, be ashamed. Be ashamed that our sins put Jesus on the cross. Be ashamed that we so often take it so lightly. Be ashamed that we so often fall short of what God would have us to be. Be ashamed that we are not letting others know what has happened to Jesus because of their sins. Be ashamed and blush. Yet, in remembering His death, rejoice in the hope that we have, and know that as we attempt to serve Him, He is not ashamed of us. Because of that, our shame can be eternally removed.
What Does the Bible
Say about the Golden Rule?
Adam B. Cozort
The Golden Rule is often referenced as one of the most basic principles in the New Testament. Jesus said, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
The principle of this verse is one that is often stated, but rarely done. Jesus says we are to treat others the way we wish to be treated. Unfortunately, we more often adhere to The Wicked Man’s Golden Rule: “Do unto others before they can do unto you.”
If we are to adhere to Jesus’ statement, we must be willing to look out for others first. We must replace selfishness with selflessness and be willing to give the same respect and courtesy to others we desire for ourselves. Are you living by The Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12?