Isaiah 50:4–9a (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 50:4–9a on biblegateway.com
Verse 4The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, 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. Verse 5The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. Verse 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. Verse 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; Verse 8he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. Verse 9It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.
Devotion
This passage reminds me of the common phrase: “Don’t shoot the messenger!” The servant, who is speaking, is tasked with giving a weary people a word to sustain them. Yet, despite this seeming like a message that would be welcomed, it is not. The servant’s words are met with resistance and the narrative starts to sound like a lament. We will see this rejection of God’s Word again in the Easter story. The word of God is often rejected, and those who proclaim it are ridiculed or mocked. Yet, even with the hardships that the servant faces, he stands confident. It is not confidence in himself, but in God and God’s ability to help and sustain him. “It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me?”
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Prayer
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for your continued help and love. We pray that you continue to be the source of our confidence and hope even during a time of trial. Amen.