The Company of the Unashamed

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Jesus said, “Whoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38).

We live in a culture that has all but quarantined faith; holding virtually any public display of love for God in contempt and ridicule. Nevertheless, as Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).

Perhaps we need a spiritual boost, like young Timothy; something to encourage our boldness to stand up for Christ. “God has not given us the spirit of fear,” Paul wrote, “but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” (2 Timothy 1:7,8).

Our shameless response to Christ’s persuasive love makes Him proud to stand up for us as our God! The writer of Hebrews tells us, “He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Heb.2:11), and, “God is not ashamed to be called their God” (Heb.11:16). Since He is not ashamed to be associated with us, shouldn’t we be able to say the same in return?

Turning the pages in an old book, I came upon this wonderful poem by Joseph Grigg, entitled Ashamed of Jesus?

Jesus, and shall it ever be, a mortal man ashamed of Thee?
Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise, Whose glories shine through endless days?

Ashamed of Jesus! Sooner far let evening blush to own a star!
He sheds the beams of light divine O’er this benighted soul of mine.

Ashamed of Jesus! That dear Friend on whom my hopes of heaven depend!
No! When I blush, be this my shame, that I no more revere His name.

Ashamed of Jesus! Yes, I may, When I’ve no guilt to wash away;
no tear to wipe, no good to crave, no fears to quell, no soul to save.

Till then, nor is my boasting vain, Till then I boast a Savior slain.
And, O, may this my glory be, that Christ is not ashamed of me!
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