A Vision of Shame

I close my eyes and see a vision of shame.  It’s in the shape of a person resembling my stature, yet it looks like sin.  A closer observation reveals a countenance, aged, because of hurt and despair.  I see tears coursing down cheeks that are gaunt, and a frail figure that is stooped low; hunkered down as if beneath a heavy load.  The load looks like shame.

It appears that the individual is suffering from a self inflected disease called, ‘pleasure syndrome’, which affects non Christians that are beaten down from the load they carry.  The shadow he is casting across the putrefying slime that surrounds him has the appearance of sin; the shape of shame.  Shame is the result of sin, which every sinner endures when they reject the name of Jesus.  The dreadful loneliness they bear is the result of choices made.

What does sin look like?  What is its character?  Before it changes appearance it begins with beauty on the outside, but on the inside it resembles dead man’s bones; cold and lifeless.  Strength and vitality are sucked out; leaving an empty shell that nothing on earth can fill or satisfy.  The ugliness then oozes out; transferring to the outside; taking on the form of ‘walking death’ that is awaiting the undertaker.

The load of regret takes its toll on bodies that entertain sin.  Regrets make life miserable and even unbearable, because all hope escapes through the pores of an inner rotting soul that needs a Savior.

Is there no answer for a thirsting soul with a visage that is taking on the shape of shame?  Are the lost condemned to a life scorched by the heat of rebellion, disobedience and self-indulgence?

Wait!  There is hope!  I see a man reaching toward the figure that is waiting for death to bring closure to a life that is filled with heartache.  It’s Jesus!  In one hand He holds a cup of cool, refreshing water drawn from the wells of hope and strength.  The other hand wipes the brow that is dripping with the filth of riotous living, and a voice saying, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  (Matthew 11:28) 

Jesus lifts the weight of sin off shoulders that are rounded from fatigue and places it upon Himself.  The Bible says in (1 Peter 5:7) that He will carry our heavy load. 

(1 Peter 5:7), “casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you.”

I see clearly in the vision that it is me at a time when Jesus was as far removed from my thoughts as a water hole is from a weary traveler in the desert.  I thirsted, yet the more I drank from the cup of disappointment and pain I wasted away in shame; until I met Jesus.

In my vision I now see them walking together arm in arm; upright and strong.  There is no longer the shadow of shame resembling me, only a man leaning on His Lord; walking toward the light of righteousness; happy to be alive and serving God.

 

Written by,

Papa Boyd