Anguish
This is a tragic story about a father with a physical disability.
He fought hard to raise his only daughter, who grew up to be a beautiful, smart, and healthy college student.
On her graduation day, she was chosen to give a touching thank-you speech on behalf of the students. She spoke beautifully about her family’s sacrifices and promised to be a useful person for her country, community, and especially the family who raised them all. Her words were so sincere that they moved the entire room, and she herself cried with emotion.
Yet, in the midst of the celebration, the father could only stand far away, afraid to get closer.
He was happy to hear his daughter “knew how to be grateful,” even if only from a distance.
After the event, the father, misunderstanding the situation, approached his daughter to congratulate her and tell her how proud he was.
But he was met with a cold and indifferent attitude.
His daughter acted as if she didn’t know him.
The father immediately understood that he had been naive—all of her beautiful words were just an act.
With a sense of shame and a broken heart, he walked away.
Fearful Witness
This tragic story reminds us of a deep spiritual truth found in the Bible.
Many people want to follow God, but they are ashamed to acknowledge the scandalous cross—the ultimate symbol of His sacrifice.
They want to receive God’s blessings but reject His saving death for them.
Grave Warning
Jesus Himself gave a very serious warning.
In Luke 9:26, He said, “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
This verse directly relates to the story of the father.
Just as the daughter was ashamed to acknowledge her disabled father in front of everyone, many Christians are ashamed to acknowledge the crucified Jesus.
They claim to be Christian from the pulpit or in front of others, but when they are asked to acknowledge His shameful death as the only way to salvation, they refuse.
They want a powerful and glorious Christ but reject a crucified Christ.
This point is also strongly made by the Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, he writes,
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Paul clearly states that the cross, which the world sees as foolish and shameful, is the very core of our faith.
Sorrow’s Toll
The story of the father and his daughter serves as a powerful message for us.
The rejection of God and His shameful cross will lead to great consequences.
When we are ashamed of His humiliating death, we are indirectly rejecting His grace.
It is important for us to reflect: Do we acknowledge Jesus not only as a glorious king but also as a suffering servant?
Are we willing to acknowledge Him in front of everyone, even if it means identifying with the shameful cross?
Because in the end, our rejection of Him will cause Him to be ashamed to acknowledge us.
Leave a comment