Isaiah 50: 4-9
The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakes 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 cheeks 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
Israel has turned their back on God. God is questioning Israel why they have committed sins and no one answered when he called. Now this scripture is foretelling that the Sovereign Lord has instructed his Son to know his word that will sustain the weary. His Son, who will not be rebellious nor draw back, will listen, offer his back to be beaten, his cheek to have his beard pulled out, he will be mocked and spit on. The Son knows that the Sovereign Lord will help him to be able to be a servant even to his death to redeem God’s people.
Our Prayer
Father thank you that you were able to give your Son to live on earth, die the death of the cross, and to be resurrected victorious over death, hell and the grave for all people including the people of Israel. Forgive us for being rebellious. Help each of us to consider the cost of our salvation and be willing to grow in the likeness of Christ Jesus and to make disciples for him. In his name we ask, amen.
