It's A Shame

A woman had five failed marriages and decided not to marry any more of the men in her life.  She went to the well in the heat of the day to hide from others. There was a powerful man who used his power to sleep with another man's wife and got her pregnant. His shame made him hide behind a cover up that turned into murder. Another lady bled for twelve years and she felt unclean. Her shame kept her from wanting to ask Jesus to heal her in front of a crowd. She hid in the crowd and just touched the fringe of his robe. 

Just like these three biblical people we try to hide our shame in the wrong places. God doesn't waste our shame - we learn the feelings of right or wrong. When we dishonor God we are to have shame but not for long. Our unbelief in God's promise that His grace is sufficient feeds the shame and helps it grow. We must have faith in 1 John 1: 9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Acts 10: 43, "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." The only place to run or hide from your shame is Jesus. Acts 3: 19, "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out..."

The woman at the well listened to Jesus and believed in Him. Her faith healed her and Jesus took her shame. King David finally confessed his sin and repented and trusted that he was forgiven. The hemorrhaging woman told the crowd about her shame and she received healing and cleansing. All three were able to get rid of their shame through Jesus Christ!  He can do the same for us! Thanks be to God!