In the garden, Adam heard God coming and hid. The Hebrew says he hid from God's face.
Some of us still pray with our eyes on the floor.
In another garden, Jesus heard them coming with torches, and He stayed.
“I hid not my face from shame and spitting.”
Isaiah 50:6
He took what was aimed at your face so you could lift yours. Look up. You're safe with Him.
Keep reading
It's hard to look up at someone when you feel you've let them down. You keep your eyes low and hope the moment passes.
Some of us have prayed that way for years. Quick and careful, eyes on the floor.
Jesus already carried the shame that keeps your head down. When you lift your face to Him this morning, you'll find a Father who's glad you looked.
The story behind it
Early one morning, religious leaders brought a woman into the temple courts and stood her in front of everyone. She had been caught in adultery, and they wanted Jesus to condemn her.
Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger. When they kept pressing, He stood up and said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” Then He stooped down again.
One by one they walked away, the oldest first, until only Jesus and the woman were left.
“Neither do I condemn thee,” He told her. “Go, and sin no more.” The only One with the right to condemn her was the One who sent her home free.
Source: the woman caught in adultery, John 8:2-11, KJV
Pray
Lord, I've been praying with my head down. Thank You for carrying my shame. I lift my face to You this morning. Let me see how You see me. Amen.
Say it today
I am free to look up. I am safe with Him.
Come as you are.
We gather Sundays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in San Benito. Tell us you're coming and we'll send you everything you need.
Plan a visit