"We are shamefaced." -Daniel 9:7
I
recently met a woman who had returned to the U.S.A. after serving twenty years
as a foreign missionary. She was utterly shocked by the changes in American
culture during her absence. Topics never mentioned in decent conversation were
now flaunted publicly from billboards, movies, and prime-time TV. Political
candidates who would never have been considered worthy of nomination when she
left were now routinely being elected. She was dumbfounded at the absence of the
sense of sin and shame.
.
Daniel was a holy and righteous Jew, blamelessly
observing the ordinances of the Lord (Dn 1:8; 6:11). Yet his Jewish people had
been exiled "because of their treachery" toward God (Dn 9:7). Daniel humbly
recognized his part, however small, in the sins of his nation, and was ashamed
(Dn 9:7, 8) of the sins his nation and people had committed against the Lord.
.
Too many people today are ashamed of nothing but Jesus (Mk 8:38) and His
gospel (Rm 1:16). Jesus bluntly declares: "If anyone in this faithless and
corrupt age is ashamed of Me and My doctrine, the Son of Man will be ashamed of
him when He comes with the holy angels in His Father's glory" (Mk 8:38).
Repent! Be ashamed of sin and wickedness. Repent of being ashamed of Jesus.
Like Daniel, pray for forgiveness for yourself, your nation, and your
people.
.
Father, I will look to You so that I will not be
shamefaced but rather radiant with joy (Ps 34:6).
2/26/13
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