We hope this week's devotional will encourage you in your spiritual walk.
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Isaiah 50:4-9a (NRSV)
4 The Lord God has given me trained tongue,
that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens, wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught.
5 The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious; I did not turn backward.
6 I gave my back to those who struck me
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
7 The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
8 he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me? Let us stand in court together.
Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me.
9 It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?
Devotional:
As we continue our Lenten journey with God, we come to Palm Sunday. But our Old Testament reading for this week speaks nothing of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and relates more to the rejection of Jesus rather than his acceptance by the people. We attribute verse 6 to Jesus’ treatment and response after his arrest, but do we consider the context of the verse?
Although the term ‘servant’ isn’t used, this passage speaks of the servant called by God to bring the news of redemption, justice and mercy to the people. (Similar themes are seen in Isaiah 42:1-9; 49:1-7; and 52:13-53:12.)
The speaker has a definite gift and purpose. The gift: knowing how to speak and what to say – it’s a gift from God and not due to the speaker’s natural abilities. The purpose: “that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word” (4). What a gift and purpose in life!
But the gift may not come easily – the servant must submit to learn from God (5). and that learning is not always convenient: “Morning by morning he…wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught” (4). And though the gift and purpose are from God, the task may not be easy. The speaker endures insults and physical abuse (6). Yet this servant of God stands firm, knowing that:
a) this is God’s task, and
b) God is present to strengthen and support, and to give the words to speak (7-8).
Thinking of Jesus in relation to this passage, we remember that he was often rejected when he spoke, both because of what was said, and because he spoke with authority (Luke 4:32).
We too are called by God to speak, and we too can know that the God who calls us will also equip us and teach us what to say. We need to be willing to listen and to trust God for the courage to speak the message of hope. It may not be an easy task, but we can be sure that God will be with us.
> Am I ready to listen to God’s calling and purpose in my life this week?
> Am I prepared to listen for God’s teaching to equip me for the task?
> Do I fully trust that God is with me now and will be with me in all situations?
Prayer:
Our God, who equips and guides, forgive us for times when we have not trusted your promise to be with us. Renew our trust in you that we might stand in confidence and speak as you direct us. Help us to know that you are with us and will never leave us. Amen
Blessings,
Pam Reed
Registrar and Student Support Tutor