THURSDAY 21 January, 2016
Greatly Ashamed
Therefore Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half of their beards, cut off their garments in the middle, at their buttocks, and sent them away. When they told David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Wait at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.” - 2 Samuel 10:4-5
King Hanun received bad counsel from the princes of Ammon. He took David’s servants and completely humiliated them. In their culture, shaving beards and cutting their garments was considered a great insult. It caused David’s servants to be greatly ashamed. In doing so, Hanun was also trying to embarrass David.
David, in complete wisdom, did not want his servants to come back and be ashamed. He advised them to stay in Jericho; allowing time for their beards to grow back. He cared about their honor and reputation. He restored their dignity; the enemy had taken from them, before they returned.
Imagine, Jesus, as God’s servant, experienced shame for us. Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). He took away the shame of our sin. When the enemy tries to shame or condemn you, Jesus comes to your defense.
Do we help and protect one another when the enemy comes and causes shame?
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes ...
~The Apostle Paul~
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