Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 / Matthew 21:28-32
It seems that one of the most difficult feelings to cast off is the sense of shame.
Be it personal shame, family shame, or shame in whatever scale or level, it is a feeling that brings people low and humiliated.
During the time of Jesus, the tax-collectors and prostitutes were never accepted as part of the community because of their shameful deeds.
Their shame and humiliation hanged on their necks for the rest of their lives.
So what Jesus said was shocking when He said that tax collectors and prostitutes were making their way into the kingdom of God.
Simply because God wants to remove the shame and humiliation of these rejected and despised people and restore their dignity and worth as His people.
The parable of the two sons also has a profound message for us.
There is nothing more tragic than someone who started off well and ends up badly.
And there is nothing more inspiring than someone who starts off badly but ends up well.
Shame and guilt can happen along in life when we make mistakes and stray from the way of truth and love.
But the truth is that we are created with dignity and worth.
God sent His only Son Jesus to remove our shame and guilt and to restore our dignity and worth.
May we find refuge in our Lord and Saviour Jesus as we journey on this Advent into the heart of God.