Good morning,
It all started with pleasure, but for some, the effects of that moment will never end in time or eternity. The seductive snake made his point and then glided safely away as his victims stood staring at one another. The sweet taste was still in their mouths, but now their mouths were open in shock and amazement. The joy of paradise had suddenly evaporated and now they were left with a new and frightening emotion they had never known before. Adam and Eve knew there was something wrong with their condition and went running for cover. They cowered in the bushes, covered with shame. The thought of meeting the Creator filled their hearts with fear and they did their best to cover themselves with a few leaves to cover their shameful condition. What began so long ago in that holy garden is still haunting us all to this day. Shame is still a part of our lives from our earliest childhood and it still threatens us until our last breath on earth.
God warned Adam and Eve to listen to his loving guidelines. He had created them for love, joy, peace, security and relationship on the deepest level with himself and one another. With sin came fear, guilt and shame and the wonderful relational richness that God longed for us to share with him and one another was now an option and not a certainty. God’s plan for a relationship with him is still a choice that starts with our genuine acceptance of the finished work of Jesus on the cross and the empty grave that proved his victory. Jesus, God’s one and only Son, was willing to come and live with us, face the temptations that we face, live with the shame of his birth, live with the hate of his neighbors and God’s enemies and never once come under the control of the shame that was poured out on him at every stage of his life. He was able to live that way because his actions consistently reflected his love for his Father and his determination to obey him with all his heart. Jesus knew no shame as he carried that cruel cross and allowed his enemies to strip him of all his clothes and all of his human dignity. Now it’s our turn to go through life. The Psalmist knew the secret of living a love filled life instead of a shame driven life. Now we know this same truth as “If you love me, keep my commandments” and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Remember, it is the same Holy Spirit that lived in Jesus that is living in us today.
Psalm 119:5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! 6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. 7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!
Roy Wisner
