Reading Psalms 119:46

I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings and shall not be ashamed. Psalm 119:46

As you read Psalm 119, you realize that the psalmist had enemies in high places. Such opposition would likely discourage many from sharing God’s word at all. But the psalmist recognized the opportunities that he would have, even with those who were in significant places of authority. Spurgeon wisely said, “The great hindrance to our speaking upon holy topics in all companies is shame, but the Psalmist will “not be ashamed”; there is nothing to be ashamed of, and there is no excuse for being ashamed, and yet many are as quiet as the dead for fear some creature like themselves should be offended. When God gives grace, cowardice soon vanishes. He who speaks for God in God’s power, will not be ashamed when beginning to speak, nor while speaking, nor after speaking; for his theme is one which is fit for kings, needful to kings, and beneficial to kings. If kings object, we may well be ashamed of them, but never of our Master who sent us, or of his message, or of his design in sending it.”¹ The apostle Paul bears the same testimony.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

Paul also reminds his fellow believers that we must not be ashamed of those who have suffered for the cause of the gospel. Instead, we must be willing to proclaim the gospel and suffer as those who have gone before us.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 2 Timothy 1:8

Our Lord spoke in very frank terms:

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38

If we are going to be ashamed, let it be for the sin that we constantly battle. But there must be no shame when it comes to the message of the Gospel. We must determine to proclaim God’s faithfulness and His salvation at every occasion!

I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation; behold, I will not restrain my lips, O Lord, You know. I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation. Psalm 40:9–10

    ¹ Spurgeon, C. H. (n.d.). The Treasury of David: Psalms 111-119 (Vol. 5, p. 229). London; Edinburgh; New York: Marshall Brothers.