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.