Isaiah 50:4-9a
4The Lord God has given me a 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. 5The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn backward. 6I 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. 7The 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; 8he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand in court together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. 9aIt is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?
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Isaiah, a prophet who lived about 700 years before Christ, began each day in the presence of God. “He wakens me morning by morning; wakens my ear to listen.” Oh that we would have that mindset when we awaken an hour before we want or need to! Yet, Isaiah is trained for this, and the privilege, opportunity, and joy is there for us as well.
But, there is a cost for obedience to God’s will; Isaiah is mocked, spat upon, beaten – certainly a prophecy of what Jesus experienced before Pilate. Jesus said that any who follow and obey Him will be persecuted as well.
Isaiah did not back down, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced…I will not be put to shame…He who vindicates me is near.” Paul declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” Rom.4:16.
Prayer: Lord, may we, like Isaiah and Jesus, set our faces like flint, knowing we will not be put to shame for obeying you, living our lives serving you. And, may we be reminded, “Morning by morning, new mercies I see…Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.” Amen.
—Ric Soderstrom