A Firm Foundation
Scripture
“As it is written: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame’” (Romans 9:33 NKJV).
Commentary
Christ is a stumbling stone for many. The Jews could not imagine that God would come in such a humble fashion as Christ did. They placed all their trust in the law of God for their righteousness only to be disappointed.
However, those who trust in Christ shall never be ashamed. The word here literally means to make haste or run away as if panic has set in.
Shall not be Ashamed
This is taken substantially from the Septuagint translation of Isa 28:16, though with some variation. The Hebrew is "shall not make haste," as in our English version. This is the literal meaning of the Hebrew word, but it also means to be afraid, as one who makes haste often is; to be agitated with fear or fright; and hence it has a signification nearly similar to that of shame. It expresses the substance of the same thing, Viz., failure of obtaining expected success and happiness. The meaning here is, that the man who believes shall not be agitated, or thrown into commotion, by fear of want of success; shall not be disappointed in his hopes; and, of course, he shall never be ashamed that he became a Christian. They who do not believe in Christ shall be agitated, fall, and sink into eternal shame and contempt—Barns, New Testament Commentary.
I have seen people, on more than one occasion, leave this world to enter eternity. In these last hours, their hopes are put to the test. They no longer hope for life in this world as the reality of eternity weighs heavily upon some.
Those who have confidently walked their course without fearing God now fall into panic. Many cry out in those last hours for redemption. Surely some find the Lord in those frightful moments before death. However, the words of Solomon are haunting.
“When your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, they would have none of my counsel [And] despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them” (Proverbs 1:27-32 NKJV).
I have also seen those who love the Lord leave this world, and it is a much different scene. Death is not feared by those who have the grace of God. It is simply a leaving of this world, often filled with physical pain, to enter a world of eternal bliss and comfort. However, this is not the greatest joy anticipated. No, Christ is there waiting for His child on the other side. What a glorious thought to know that we shall see Him face to face. “For the Scripture says, ‘whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame’” (Romans 10:11 NKJV).
Would you meditate on that thought a little as you face the world? Let your hope of heaven influence your decisions throughout this day. Make choices that you will not be ashamed of at the appearing of our Great God and King, Jesus Christ the Righteous.
Prayer
Father, we have no righteousness in ourselves. Only the righteousness of Christ is acceptable to you. We have placed our faith in the atoning work of Christ, and thrown ourselves upon your mercy and grace. Thank you for setting us free from the bondage of sin and death. Continue to grow us as we serve you during our pilgrimage here, that we might never be ashamed. Amen.
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