Isaiah 50:4-9a…“The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. 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.” vss. 3-4
This section of Isaiah and its description of Israel as the Suffering Servant had a profound impact on the life and ministry of Jesus, and beyond him, on the teachings of the early Christian community. In these verses we learn that our ears have a direct relationship to our faith formation. It’s as we listen to the word of the Lord that we find encouragement in the face of suffering and persecution. We can’t even read these words without thinking of Jesus and his post-arrest behaviors. He could offer passive resistance because he’d been listening to God in his daily meditation and prayers.
It may not be that we will be arrested and beaten because we are disciples of Jesus, but in our changing world it is at least conceivable. But we will face challenges! Listening to the Spirit of Jesus can take us into any number of uncomfortable situations, and we could face opposition for our boldness in standing up for the poor and the oppressed. Our moral compass can be expected to move us in the direction of justice and compassion. But we’ll never be alone. To paraphrase Isaiah, “The Lord God helps me, I will never be disgraced.”
Thought for the Day: What’s it like to listen to God?
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