Wednesday, April 8

The 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. 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. The 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; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the Lord GOD who helps me; who will declare me guilty? Isaiah 50:4-9a


How often are our ears closed, and likewise, our spirits? Convinced that we have all the answers we become rigid and inflexible. Like the prophet, we need ears that are opened afresh each day, to hear something new in God’s Word and be expanded and transformed by what we hear. In such a dynamic relationship with God, we hope for the wisdom to speak words capable of sustaining the weary around us. It’s not an easy task, and we must expect challenge. We need the prophet’s confidence to stand firm in the face of adversity, unshaken by criticism and mockery, even insult, sure of God’s faithful help to the end. With God’s help, human efforts to disgrace and shame cannot prevail.

Elder Amy Stratton-Smith