Shame On Me? Not Anymore (Isaiah 50:7)
By: Anne Peterson
Today’s Bible Verse: But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. – Isaiah 50:7
It was Christmas time, and our Bible teacher spent a lot of time picking out something special for each of us in her home Bible Study. Handpicked verses. Of course, with Lois, not only did I know she would be praying about each choice, but I also knew how well she knew each of us.
My verse was the one about setting my face like a flint. I had to research what it meant. That verse fit me perfectly, and she knew it would. Having grown up in a dysfunctional home, I wore shame often. I even remember one of my aunts telling us more than once, “Shame on you.”
I don’t remember our crimes, just how wearing shame felt. Her eyes would narrow and she’d point a finger in our direction. All I can guess is that she was the recipient of shame in her life as well.
But meeting Lois Peterson changed everything in my life, which was God’s plan. For Lois saw through my brokenness, and she loved the self-righteous girl who showed up at her house one day.
On September 12, 1972, on my way home from her Bible study, the truth of what Jesus did on the cross came alive. I moved from knowing he died for the world to knowing for certain Jesus’ blood was shed for me. The next day I called her to tell her.
“Lois, I’m saved! I know for sure I’m going to heaven!”
Little did I know the journey ahead. A journey where God would reveal parts of his character with every single trial I’d go through. I would learn God had started a work in me that rainy night in September and that job will not be complete until I see him in glory (Philippians 1:6).
I would learn when Jesus died on the cross, even though he was perfect, having no sin, he took our sin on him. He took our shame as well.
Hebrews 12 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God.
As prisoners served their sentences and were released, the Roman guards would write the word, tetelestai on the wall by the prisoner’s cell. It is the same words Jesus exclaimed right before he died, “It is finished,” (John 19:30). The payment for the offense was complete for the prisoner. It was paid in full.
Just like our payment for sin.
No wonder Paul tells us there is now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). When we choose to feel shame, we are minimizing what Jesus did. We are telling Jesus, “It’s one thing that you carried my sins, but I can’t ask you to carry my shame as well.” In other words, what he did was not enough, so we will carry our guilt.
I also had to learn what it means to set my face like a flint. Jesus set His face like a flint to accomplish his mission on earth. He knew God would provide everything needed to complete that mission. Just like we know we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
Jesus died for your sins, and he took your shame. It is finished!
