Embrace the Word ~ December 2024: Bold Celebration – Joy to the World Week 3
Hello Family
We are already in Week Three of the Embrace the Word study, “A Bold Celebration: Joy to the World.” This past week, we focused on preparing the way of the Lord, which naturally leads us to the story of John the Baptizer and his parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth.
(Link to the FREE Devotional Guide at the end of this email)
Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story really resonates with me, as I have known the pain of shame, hopelessness, and disappointment. They were both advanced in age when John was conceived. Despite Zechariah being a high priest who served in the temple, both he and Elizabeth faced the pain of shame and reproach due to her barrenness and childlessness. After many years of waiting, Zechariah seemed to lose hope.
Even those who walk closely with God can wrestle with shame and face heart-wrenching disappointments. At times, we can all feel a sense of hopelessness.
However, it’s important to remember that people who walk with God can also be delivered, healed, and set free from shame and despair.
After Zechariah’s encounter with the angel, Elizabeth became pregnant. She knew that her days of shame were over. She declared, “This is how the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor on me, to take away my disgrace among men.” (Luke 1:25 AMP)
In His grace, God “looked with favor” on Zechariah and Elizabeth. Their shame was lifted when God blessed them with the honor of a son. No longer would they bear the burden of barrenness or search for the hope that had once eluded them. God dealt with their disappointment through His favor, mercy, and kindness.
The same beautiful grace has been extended to us, offering redemption and healing for our past struggles. At the Cross, Jesus took away our shame and removed our reproach.
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:13-15
Through the cross, what was once a symbol of shame and humiliation becomes a symbol of hope and redemption. Colossians 2:14-15 says Jesus canceled the record of charges against us and disarmed the powers and authorities. The cross turns our shame into honor, as we are now seen as children of God.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
The cross deals with shame by providing forgiveness, transforming our identity, assuring us of no condemnation, and allowing us to walk in honor. Through the cross, we can find freedom and healing, embracing the fullness of life God has planned for us.
When we feel unworthy or burdened by shame, we can remember that God grants us the honor of being His beloved children, capable of great things through Him. Through faith, we can truly be free from shame!
Don’t forget your FREE Devotional Guide.
Download this week’s guide HERE.
Did you miss week two? Get it HERE.
Did you miss week one? Get it HERE.
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Finally, stick around this month as we recap our year in the Word with our “Year in Review,” the last 12 days of the year! (I really love recapping the year with you!)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Your friend in the journey,
Remember: The Word W.O.R.K.S. We are walking in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success through the Word of God.