Rejoice
Reflection on Isaiah 50
Scripture
Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.
Observation
The Lord has given his servant words of wisdom. Day by day, He opens his understanding.
The Lord has spoken to him, and he will do the Lord’s will. He sets his face like flint to do the Lord’s will
Who fears the lord and obeys his servant? Anyone who walks in darkness should trust the Lord. Those who walk by their own light will fall down in torment.
Application
Again Isaiah returns to the message about the Suffering Servant, whom we know is Jesus.
Jesus foresaw the suffering and shame that awaited him on the cross. Yet He trusted the Father to bring Him through.
Jesus knew the price had to be paid in order to bring salvation to everybody who trusts in Him.
The reward was worth the suffering.
Sometimes the Lord asks us to go through difficult times. Like Job, we may see no reason or reward for the tough times. We have to trust that God knows what He is doing. We rely on His strength to see us through.
We would not choose the way of suffering, but God uses these times to deepen our trust in Him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for choosing the way of suffering and shame, for dying on the cross for me. Amen.
God supplies all we need
Quote for the Day
valerie For the oppressed people of our world, the words “Babylon is fallen!” declare the end of the dragon’s corruption (18:1–19:10). They are an announcement of the gospel itself. Not as an encouragement to delight in vengeance but as relief that the ache for justice is ended. Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett
Give and be blessed
Restore to me the joy of salvation
Today’s Bike Ride
Cloudy and cool this morning. A nice ride to Haire Drive. #cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
Quote for the Day
Before new Jerusalem descends to the earth, the debris, the rubble, and the garbage must be cleared away. The garbage dump of Revelation is a fiery pit where bad things burn up, and this fiery pit completely eliminates the way of the dragon, doing away with the dragon, the wild things, and Babylon itself. Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett
Be merciful
Reflection on Isaiah 49
Scripture
The Lord, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, says to the one who is despised and rejected by the nations, to the one who is servant of rulers: “Kings will stand at attention when you pass by. Princes will also bow low because of the Lord, the faithful one, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
Observation
The Lord called the servant before he was born and made his words of judgement as sharp as a sword.
The Lord has commissioned him to bring Israel back to Himself, but more than this, he will be a light to the Gentiles and bring salvation to the ends of the earth. The one who is despised and rejected will be honoured by kings and princes.
The Lord will set free the captives and they will be His sheep.
Although Jerusalem feels forgotten by the Lord, He can no more forget them than a mother can forget her child. He has written its name on the palms of His hands.
All the world will know that the Lord is Saviour and Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.
Application
This chapter is at one of the Suffering Servant Songs that are unique to Isaiah, and which we can now see describe the Messiah, Jesus our Lord and Redeemer.
Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders of His day. He was despised and eventually crucified. They thought that death was the end of Him. Then He rose again!
Over the centuries, more and more people have come under the reign of King Jesus. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Kings, princes, presidents, and prime ministers bow before Him. They acknowledge that He is the true ruler of all nations and all people.
In many countries there are various attempts to control and muzzle the church. but no earthly ruler will ever control King Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, you are the one who was rejected and despised. Now you are the King of all creation. Blessed is the name of is the name of the Lord. Amen.
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