Category: Devotion of the Day

ASHAMED TO BLUSH

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 unto the heavens.
Ezra 9:6

Jeremiah lamented in a verse found twice in his book (6:15; 8:12) that his generation knew no shame and could not blush. He declared that God’s blessing had been withheld because they refused to be ashamed (3:3). Ezra is ashamed and blushes for the sins of his people.

People used to blush when they were ashamed. Now they are ashamed if they blush. Modesty has disappeared and a brazen generation with no fear of God before its eyes mocks at sin. There is no revival, because even God’s people will not humble themselves in sorrow for sin. Nothing is more needed than a sense of shame.

God give us Ezras and Jeremiahs who are ashamed and blush for their day and generation instead of defending it, lightly regarding the hurt of the land, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace. We are so fond of being called tolerant and broad-minded that we wink at sin when we ought to weep.

NO OFFENSE, NO EFFECT

God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 6:14

We need men of the cross, with the message of the cross bearing the marks of the cross.

Paul was a MAN of the cross. He gloried in it. “I am crucified with Christ.” (Gal. 2:20). With him it was not a theory but an experience. His message was the cross. “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (I Cor. 2:2). He bore the marks of the cross: “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Gal. 6:17).

We are hearing a new version of Christianity that avoids all this. It is not foolishness to the world and it is without offense. It involves no crucifixion of self, it presents no bleeding Saviour, it offers medals instead of scars. But if any man or an angel preach a crossless Christ let him be accursed. For such a Christ is without offense and without effect.