Blush and Swallow

As I arrived at chapel on Thursday morning to prepare for the day’s Bible Studies and to warm the room, I was pleased to hear the chatter of the returning swallows. One was sitting on an object close to the wall and cheerfully warbled away as I looked at her through the window. It was as though she was announcing her arrival and giving me notice that she would be rebuilding her nests and raising her young. They have been known in previous years to swoop down onto residents of the manse who dare invade their privacy, so the current occupant shall receive due warning.

While she chattered away, I had a good look at her red face. Such a condition in humans is usually caused by medical conditions, alcoholism, anger or shame. Sadly we sometimes see too much anger and too little shame, but that is typical of life on a fallen planet. “Blushing” is thrice employed in the Authorised and twice in the New King James Version. The two in common are found in the book of Jeremiah chapters 6 and 12 which use the expression “neither could they blush”/ “Nor did they know how to blush”. This description of shamelessness indicates an unwillingness to admit to sin and confess it to God, nor to repent and put right bad behaviour. Shameless people, who cannot blush, find it impossible to be saved, because they think they have never sinned, never erred, never deserved chastening and have no fear of God.

If your actions ever cause you to blush and go red-faced, it is awkward and embarrassing, but you have hope in Jesus Christ; this is much better than never blushing at all.  

Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. Proverbs 13:18

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