Guilt, Horrible Guilt!

SCRIPTURE

I turned away from God, but then I was sorry. I kicked myself for my stupidity! I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days.’

~Jeremiah 31:19, NLT

QUOTE

The greatest shame is have none.

~Pascal

I was in Jeremiah 31 yesterday when I came across this verse. The first thing that popped into my mind was, “This could be my life verse.” I can’t number the times I’ve wanted to kick myself for my stupidity. Actually, Jeremiah is speaking prophetically for the future Israel who comes to realize that Jesus was the Messiah and that they missed the truth because they were living in rebellion against God. You see one day and I think soon, Israel is going to acknowledge that Jesus is the Messiah and then they are going to express shame and regret for not seeing the truth sooner.

Bennard

Sin produces guilt and guilt produces shame and condemnation. You and I are helpless; we are powerless to do anything about sin, guilt, shame or condemnation. Thankfully, Jesus on the cross, during the three hours of horrible darkness, took upon Himself our sin, guilt, shame and condemnation. God made HIM who knew no sin to become sin for us all. [2 Cor. 5:1] Jesus deliberately remained powerless so they we would have the privilege of being freed from sin, guilt, shame and condemnation. We are no longer helpless because He was. The morons who mocked Him thought that His remaining on the cross in a helpless state was proof that He was not the Son of God. He refused to save Himself in order to save us.

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame. How I have come to love that old cross where the dearest and the very best for a world of lost sinners was slain. Try to convince me that George Bennard was not inspired when he wrote this hymn.

TODAY WE PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• Regular schedule tonight: Supper at 5:30, AWANA at 6:15 and GATHERING at 6:30.
• GOLDEN GIRLS this Saturday morning 9:30 at Cracker Barrel in Hartselle.
• Chloe Bug surgery went well, PTL.
• Good thing I worked on blog when I got home from work because I was at West Park until 9:00 PM which is too late for Seniors and it was also too cold. Big Mama and Josie Tate went home after 2nd inning.