Red Faced!

People often do things that cause them to blush. They get caught with their hands in the proverbial “cookie jar” and, “red faced”, they have difficulty looking others in the eye. They feel ashamed. They are embarrassed. And thus they should be. In fact, they should be thankful the embarrassment can still be felt, for there are many who have become hardened to the point they feel no shame.

As Ezra was struck by the sin that led up to the exile of God’s people, sin that appears to have continued even after the return of the remnant to Jerusalem, he prayed…

“saying, ‘O my God, I AM ASHAMED AND BLUSH TO LIFT MY FACE TO YOU, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. (7) From the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt. And for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been given into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and TO UTTER SHAME, as it is today.’” ( Ezra 9:6-7 ESV)

Some who BLUSH when seen by others often forget that their life is always in the view of God. He is fully aware of our actions and the intent of our hearts. Ezra acknowledged this feeling before God and it is right for us to do so. However, even in Ezra’s view of their sinful condition, He was encouraged by the hope God was making evident.

The next two verses read…
“(8) But now for A BRIEF MOMENT FAVOR HAS BEEN SHOWN by the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within his holy place, THAT OUR GOD MAY BRIGHTEN OUR EYES and GRANT US A LITTLE REVIVING in our slavery. (9) For we are slaves. Yet our GOD HAS NOT FORSAKEN US in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, TO GRANT US SOME REVIVING to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem.” ( Ezra 9:8-9 ESV)

Even in the waywardness of sin, if the life turns (as in repentance) and looks back toward God, we can glimpse again the forgiveness and hope He continues to hold out and our spiritual life can be revived. God, the Creator of life is also the Great Reviver and Sustainer of it. Praise God for the ability to BLUSH before Him as we see sin for what it is! With godly repentance the shame can be removed as we are led to a salvation that leaves no regret. ( 2 Corinthians 7:10)

It is with God we need to seek most to save face. May we continue to be touchable by the awareness of living in God’s presence. Such a perspective on life can lead us to even greater blessing.

Have a great day KEEPING A FAITHFUL FACE TOWARD GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Sin