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
Being obedient to God even in the midst of persecution is the theme of this Isaiah passage. Two contrasting images stand out in this servant song: “I have set my face like flint” and “God has given me the tongue of a teacher.” Jesus’ body was like flint as he experienced suffering at the hand of his persecutors and yet he continued to speak words of wisdom and truth. God’s adversaries will come and go. And when they confront us, “it is the Lord” who will help us find the words to speak.
Prayer
God, may the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable to you. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.