Isaiah 50: 4-9a
The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back. I offered my back to those who beat me, my checks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me! Who is he that will condemn me?
A Thought
God, enabled Jesus to grow in wisdom and knowledge as he grew strong in spirit with the grace of God upon him. In Scripture we find Jesus at the age of twelve in the temple courts at the feast of the passover, listening and asking questions of the doctors. When found by his parents after three days of searching, Jesus submitted to them and returned home under their authority while continuing to listen and learn not to draw back from his suffering life that lies ahead, knowing the Sovereign Lord is teaching him. We too, like Jesus, need to have ears to hear and not draw back from what God has prepared through his word for us to do for him and others.
Our Prayer
Father thank you that in Christ you have given each of us a purpose and a plan for our lives to grow to become like Christ. Open our ears to listen as we are taught by your word. Open our eyes that we may see that even in our suffering, we can trust you as our Sovereign Lord to deliver us from bondage. We ask in Jesus’ name we ask, amen.
