Hidden Shame

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

When the woman with the bleeding condition stepped out in faith and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, she thought that she wouldn’t be noticed. But Jesus noticed. He knew that healing power had gone out from Him. She could no longer hide. She felt exposed as she fell to her knees before Him. Seeing the compassion and love in Jesus’ eyes, she found the strength and courage to tell him her story of shame and loneliness.

The shame the woman experienced caused her to hide from society - literally. Our shame can also cause us to hide. We may hide by finding temporary solace and relief. We may find it in a husband, children, a prestigious job, a fancy car, a holiday adventure, the latest fashion, or electronic gadgets. We do good deeds for others. We donate our resources to causes, hoping that this will appease the demon of shame. We put on our earphones to escape - listening to music or watching a movie, hoping they will numb our senses and suppress the shame. But the shame is still there, resurfacing when we least expect it to.

Sceptre of Mercy and Justice

The woman with the bleeding tried to hide, but she knew that she had to confront her demons. When we, as she did, understand that healing and deliverance from shame will come when we come to Jesus. When we let go of our pride and come with a humble heart to a kind and compassionate King who is waiting to show us His grace and mercy

Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18 (ESV)

Our gracious God waits for us so that He can be merciful towards us, while at the same time executing His justice on our behalf. But He asks us to wait for His justice to be delivered to those who have harmed us and caused us shame. Justice is His business. Forgiving others and ourselves is ours.

When we come, we are to come with confidence to His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Our righteous King is there waiting for us with His holy sceptre extended. His sceptre is extended not in condemnation or judgement, but in mercy and grace. Our King above all kings, who, in His deep eternal love for us, calls us to come to Him, to expose our shame and bow down before Him in humility, so that we can rise with a shout of triumph over our shame.

There is a king seated among us. let every heart receive him now. Where there is praise, he will inhabit there will be grace and mercy all around. Brandon Lake

Reflection: 

Have you been trying to hide and cover your shame? Why not go boldly to God’s throne of grace, mercy and forgiveness?

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, for inviting me to come to Your throne of grace. Help me come with confidence. Forgive me, Lord, for hiding and trying to cover up my shame. I come to You in humility and ask You to wipe away my shame so that I can rise in victory. In Jesus’ name, amen.