God is not ashamed to be called their God - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) May 17, 2024

Back in the day, children understood that their choices could impact the reputation of their family. They lived in close-knit communities where, if a child got into trouble outside, their parents would already know before they got home. All because everyone was talking about what they'd done. This reality discouraged many from misbehaving too much. They knew that they had a responsibility to not shame their family members or the family name. No matter what.

We don't tend to focus on this concept of bringing shame to others nowadays. This is partly because shame no longer carries the same weight it once did in our society. There are no limits to what people will do anymore and everyone is blatant about the wrongs they carry out. There is no concern that their behavior will potentially put others to shame. Instead, individuals are more self-centered than ever, focused on doing whatever they feel as long as it pleases them, regardless of the consequences to others.

Alas, things are no different for modern Christians. Even in the Body of Christ, people have forgotten that their behavior reflects upon their brothers and sisters in the faith. Many of us don't feel any form of responsibility to the rest of God's family. We are ignorant of the fact that the Bible speaks about us not putting others to shame. Specifically, the concept arises in scripture when it speaks of those whom God was not ashamed to be associated with, because of their good choices. Hebrews 11:16 - Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

What sort of people were these and how do we become like them?

These were individuals who put their faith to work and remained heaven-focused. These men and women moved forward with God and did not allow their desires and the things of the world to dictate their decisions. They were not perfect and made mistakes, but they repented and allowed God to get them back on track. Abraham and Sarah serve as an example. They left their homeland for a future they knew little about all because God told them to. They erred in creating an Ishmael but in repentance, they allowed God to steer them toward His promise of an Isaac. And God was proud to call Abraham His friend and share knowledge of the future with Him and His wife.

If they could do it, so can we by the grace of God. After all, they also faced the challenges that we Christians experience today. There were pressures to take matters into their own hands instead of waiting on the Lord. Many had to hold onto their faith for years, waiting on promises that either took long to materialize for them or would only be fulfilled long after they were gone. It is these sorts of people - individuals and groups who doggedly held on to their faith and their hope in a heavenly home - that did not put our Lord to shame.

It is easy to listen to the lie that we can't achieve what these people did but we must not believe satan. Praise God that there is grace available at the Father's throne to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 tells us "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Therefore, God is willing to help us become the people He will be proud to say, "I am their God." And this is despite our struggles and sins, all because of Jesus whose sacrifice bought us grace.

Hebrews 2:11 - Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.

This promise is for those who have received Jesus as their Savior and submitted to His authority. Christ died to ensure that those who believe in Him and obey His instructions are the very ones who will not bring shame to the Father and the family of believers. He, Himself, will help them and He will do it because they have become His brothers and sisters. His family members. This is why we are told in Romans 8:1 - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Those who remain submitted to Christ, following His lead and thus, the lead of the Father, will not be condemned but shall be renewed and refreshed in their spirit. They will not look back toward the world but look forward toward their heavenly home. And the Lord Almighty shall not be ashamed to be called their God. Indeed, He will say, "These ones are Mine" (Isaiah 43:1).

We are those ones by the grace of God. The people He has reserved for Himself. Those He is not ashamed to be associated with. Hallelujah!

PS: Father, I thank You for bringing Your daughters together on Tuesday to honor You in fellowship. I was unable to participate like normal, but You oh Lord glorified Yourself. You will always preserve a remnant for Yourself and I am grateful! Thank You, God, IJMN, I pray, Amen.

PPS: I want to thank everyone for holding it down on Tuesday. May the Lord bless you all for showing up to worship and intercede with zeal.​