21. He Is Not Ashamed

He Is Not Ashamed. Erik Raymond. 2022. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Imagine if we gathered together all of the believers throughout history and lined them up for a massive family photo. Whom would we see? What kinds of people would be there?

He Is Not Ashamed is a great book to read devotionally. It is not a devotional book--that's not what I'm saying. But the book is an encouraging, uplifting read. Each chapter--or most chapters--feel like a warm hug from a friend. And NOT at the expense of the truth. Again, not what I am saying. Some books water down the truth and spin so much sugar into what truth remains, that it can be a "feel-good" comfy-cozy read that lacks the power to convince or convict. The book is on the love of Christ for his people. HIS people.

There are seven chapters that illustrate--with PLENTY of Scripture passages and verses--that Christ is NOT ashamed of His people. Each chapter is PACKED with Scriptural evidence, multiple illustrations from Scripture, not just one "isolated" instance. 

Here are the titles for those seven chapters:

1. He Is Not Ashamed of Those With Embarrassing Stories
2. He Is Not Ashamed of Those Who Opposed Him
3. He Is Not Ashamed of Those Who Are Overlooked
4. He Is Not Ashamed of Those Who Were Far From God
5. He Is Not Ashamed Of Those Who Have Nothing
6. He Is Not Ashamed of Those Who Are Weak
7. He Is Not Ashamed of Those Who Still Sin

These seven chapters are encouraging, uplifting, and relevant. Who--as a believer--can't identify with at least half (if not all) of these! To be reminded that God loves us even when we feel overlooked, even when we are weak, even when we have nothing, etc. It is a reminder that God loves US. But it is also in a lesser way a reminder that we are called to love others as well. If Christ can love--and abundantly love HIS family--we are to love HIS family as well. No one has to be perfect to be loved.

The eighth and final chapter takes a turn, and I think it offers a needed balance. That chapter is "Whom Is Jesus Ashamed Of?" This chapter is a reminder that not ALL belong to Christ. That Jesus is THE way, THE truth, THE life. Jesus loves HIS own, but for those who do reject Christ, these promises do not apply.   That's not always a popular message these days. That's why I think it is a necessary balance. If you reject Christ, then judgment awaits. Not warm and fuzzies. Not a pat on the back. But eternal, everlasting judgment. Everyone is called to repent, to turn away from sin and turn towards Christ. 

Quote:

God wants us to know that Jesus loved us before the cross, on the cross, and after the cross. I do hope you see the value of looking through Christ's eyes and sensing his love for you. He's not ashamed of his people.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible