The Lord God helps me; therefore, I have not been disgraced; therefore, I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame…” vs. 7
Isaiah 50:6-9a
The prophet had likely been exposed to a shame-based culture, a society that seeks to regulate behavior by heaping shame and disgrace on any person who doesn’t live up to the cultural norms. Some of us know what that’s like too. For some perverted reason some parents and teachers take delight in using ridicule and shame in addressing the perceived faults of those who live under their authority. A well-placed “shame on you” can wreak havoc on our self-esteem and some people carry the scars for a lifetime. But the prophet knew something that many have forgotten. As a child of God he had intrinsic worth and God was always close at hand with a strong dose of steadfast love and forgiveness. The nearness of God was his comfort and joy and he was convinced that he would never be put to shame. That’s a truth that is worth hanging on to in these times when words are being used as weapons to injure and destroy reputations. Even though the old proverb “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never harm me,” is surely not true, it is true that those who put their confidence in the Lord are protected against every insult our enemies can hurl against us.
Thought for the Day: When have I been put to shame?
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