Daily Devotional
Are You Living Unashamed?
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:29-30
December 17, 2022
Ponder This
Have you noticed when we get caught doing something wrong, we often try to justify ourselves? Jesus was innocent, but He never spoke a word. Why was that? Why did He go like a lamb to the slaughter? Because not only was He taking my sin; He was also taking my shame.
When people stand before God as sinners—not saved—they’ll stand there speechless. The Bible talks about a man who tried to come in without a wedding garment: the Bible said he was speechless (see Matthew 22:11-12). When you are outside of Christ and stand before God, every excuse will falter, every alibi will be gone, and you will have absolutely nothing to say!
Jesus could not have justified Himself without condemning me. Jesus did not say, “Pilate, I want you to know, I’m going to go ahead and let you crucify Me. I’m laying down My life, but I’m not guilty. I am dying as an innocent substitute. I’m just bearing these sins.” Had He done that, He would’ve died in dignity, but He didn’t die in dignity. He died in shame! He died as a shameful sinner! He took my shame to the cross. I love Him for that. Because Jesus Christ took my shame, I made up my mind that I’m never going to be ashamed of Him. I’m not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it’s the power of God unto salvation (see Romans 1:16).
- What shame are you carrying that Jesus has already taken care of?
- Do you beat yourself up when you have done something wrong? Why or why not?
Practice This
Write out some things that would change in your life if you allowed Jesus to carry the load of shame you have on your shoulders.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
