Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and
let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus,
the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set
before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the
right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-3
This passage of scripture is familiar, yet we can easily brush pass the words, despising the shame.
The word shame is often paired with humiliation. Shame and humiliation.
What led up to Jesus’ crucifixion was horrific. Yet, it was not the physical pain, alone, Jesus had to suffer. He had to endure being shamed and disgraced. And the Bible says He despised the shame.
We may often think about Jesus sacrificing Himself for us — His physical life — but we don’t often think about the sacrifice of His dignity.
Shame can be the most soul-crushing kind of pain a person can endure. Shame calls everything into question until you are forced to assume the blame and bear the guilt; while showing no partiality to the truth.
Shame is a strong force in this world. Jesus knew this. He experienced it. You nor I, will ever fully comprehend the depth of shame He had to undergo.
Here’s the good news, and Why He endured it. Jesus took on all our shame so we would no longer have to bear it for ourselves. So shame would no longer weigh us down nor hold us back from running the race set before us.
Shame can be hard to pinpoint and it comes in many forms.
We feel shame from past or present failures.
We feel shame from being affected by someone else’s failures or sin.
We feel shame from past or present circumstances, brokenness, loss or tragedy.
Shame is like a shadow looming, holding us back from what God wants for us.
The shadow appears to be bigger than you. But it’s only a shadow. It bears no life, no power and no hold over you. Yet it’s the-familiar, it’s what we know. So we hold onto our shadows of shame.
Jesus endured the cross to set us free from our shadows of shame.
He wants to see us running free.
Free from the shame of our past and present sin.
Free from the shame imposed upon us by the sins of others.
Free from the shame that comes from the brokenness and pain of this fallen world.
Joy is set before us.
Thankfully, it’s not up to us to do on our own. {breathe} Jesus IS the founder and perfecter of our faith. Our-part is letting go of the familiar shadows of shame that we are clinging so closely to.
Today ~ Let’s actively lay aside one weight or sin that is clinging closely. One shadow of shame. Through confession — a conversation with God — the blood of Christ will cover you. Consider allowing your great cloud of witnesses — your community of believers — to come along side you in this.
Believe ~ You are forgiven.
Believe ~ You are set free.
As you run the race more freely, you’ll experience JOY. Be gentle and gracious with yourself. Take it one step at a time. And before you know it, you’ll be….
Running Free.
