Such a great book about how He loves. It's also a reminder to stop focusing on our shortcomings and focus on God's great love.

Isaiah 55:9 says, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." When we think of this verse, we usually see it as a way to explain why some things in the Bible are true even though we cannot understand them. In a way, this fits in perfectly with Erik Raymond's He is Not Ashamed (HINA). HINA takes a look at God's heart for his people and ultimately shows that God's love for us transcends our unworthiness and inability to earn it.

HINA goes through way too many stories of Biblical figures to outline well, but it covers the following themes:

He is not ashamed of those:
- with embarrassing stories
- who opposed him
- who are overlooked
- who were far from God
- who have nothing
- who are weak
- who still sin

and it finishes looking at who God is ashamed of (those who are ashamed of Jesus). Throughout HINA, Raymond continually reemphasizes the truth that God doesn't see us as we see ourselves. One of my favorite quotes to that end is on page 89:

"When you scan the family photo of Jesus, you see a number of people with different stories. But do you know one thing that unites everyone? None had anything to offer God. He didn't need anything from any of them. God doesn't approach salvation like a business recruiter, looking for a particular person with a particular skill set who would be an asset to the company. On the contrary, God saves people despite the fact that they have nothing to give him."

Another favorite aspect of this book is that Raymond often quotes some of my favorite Puritans (Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, John Flavel, and Richard Sibbes particularly). This makes HINA a great read for those who feel as if they have a weary soul and feel bogged down or discouraged by their inability to meet their standards or that of others. Raymond reminds us that "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).

There is so much to appreciate about this book and I truly think most people would benefit from it. If you're curious about Christianity, this could be a great place for you to start learning. If you need some encouragement, I would also recommend this book for you. It's written in a very accessible way with a pastoral heart.

Great book on how much Jesus loves his people. Definitely a recommended read for anyone who wants to know more about Him or anyone who has any Christian beliefs in general. Ages 8-80!

Readers who enjoyed Gentle & Lowly will likely be intrigued by He Is Not Ashamed. I appreciate the premise of this book, but found a few sections problematic or a bit thoughtless -- particularly the section on weakness. Those who have physical disabilities or struggles may find it to be thoughtless or unkind, a cursory overview of how your weakness will eventually be healed so don't worry and don't be ashamed (!). So much more could have been said here -- and, I believe, should have been.

First sentence: Imagine if we gathered together all of the believers throughout history and lined them up for a massive family photo. Whom would we see? What kinds of people would be there?

He Is Not Ashamed is a great book to read devotionally. It is not a devotional book--that's not what I'm saying. But the book is an encouraging, uplifting read. Each chapter--or most chapters--feel like a warm hug from a friend. And NOT at the expense of the truth. Again, not what I am saying. Some books water down the truth and spin so much sugar into what truth remains, that it can be a "feel-good" comfy-cozy read that lacks the power to convince or convict. The book is on the love of Christ for his people. HIS people.

There are seven chapters that illustrate--with PLENTY of Scripture passages and verses--that Christ is NOT ashamed of His people. Each chapter is PACKED with Scriptural evidence, multiple illustrations from Scripture, not just one "isolated" instance.

Here are the titles for those seven chapters:
He Is Not Ashamed of Those With Embarrassing Stories
He Is Not Ashamed of Those Who Opposed Him
He Is Not Ashamed of Those Who Are Overlooked
He Is Not Ashamed of Those Who Were Far From God
He Is Not Ashamed Of Those Who Have Nothing
He Is Not Ashamed of Those Who Are Weak
He Is Not Ashamed of Those Who Still Sin
These seven chapters are encouraging, uplifting, and relevant. Who--as a believer--can't identify with at least half (if not all) of these! To be reminded that God loves us even when we feel overlooked, even when we are weak, even when we have nothing, etc. It is a reminder that God loves US. But it is also in a lesser way a reminder that we are called to love others as well. If Christ can love--and abundantly love HIS family--we are to love HIS family as well. No one has to be perfect to be loved.

The eighth and final chapter takes a turn, and I think it offers a needed balance. That chapter is "Whom Is Jesus Ashamed Of?" This chapter is a reminder that not ALL belong to Christ. That Jesus is THE way, THE truth, THE life. Jesus loves HIS own, but for those who do reject Christ, these promises do not apply. That's not always a popular message these days. That's why I think it is a necessary balance. If you reject Christ, then judgment awaits. Not warm and fuzzies. Not a pat on the back. But eternal, everlasting judgment. Everyone is called to repent, to turn away from sin and turn towards Christ.

Quote:
God wants us to know that Jesus loved us before the cross, on the cross, and after the cross. I do hope you see the value of looking through Christ's eyes and sensing his love for you. He's not ashamed of his people.