September 10, 2018
Isaiah 50:4-9a …“The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward.” vs. 5
The prophet was grateful that God had called him to teach and he gladly used his gift to bring comfort to the weary. But he had also been gifted with humility. He knew that his wisdom was limited and if he was going to be a good teacher he had to learn to listen. Every day he opened his ears to the insights that come through meditation. In the silence he heard direction and guidance and he was sustained and comforted. Sometimes there was a challenge and he was moved to say and do things that were not his own choosing. The results weren’t always pleasing–he faced violent reactions and even persecution. As we read Isaiah’s words we can’t help but think of Jesus. He was a great teacher, but it was his morning listening to the Lord that ultimately led him to challenge the religious establishment. We have a hard time with that listening part of our call. Oh we do hear what the pundits say on the radio and the TV, but theirs is not the voice of God. Woe to us if we begin our days with a morning talk show and not the silence of prayer and meditation! God still has a word for us and the blessings of discipleship abound when we begin our days with careful listening and a desire to obey.
Thought for the Day: What word did God have for me today?
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