Do you ever get super emotional during your quiet time with the Lord? This morning was that kind of morning for me. I'm studying Isaiah and struggled when I got ~Q!~ to the 50th chapter.
"I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking or spitting." (v6)
Is looking at all the crucifixion cost our Lord not hard? It doesn't matter how many times I've read it; it hurts my heart. Often to tears. Whether I view it as He had to endure it or as a parent watching my child endure it, it's simply unthinkable and gut-wrenching.
Yet, something about these mornings brings me closer to God's heart.
Last weekend, one of our elders discussed seeing Jesus in the Old Testament. It made me want to read back through the Old Testament this spring and look for Jesus. If you haven't done the Bible Recap, I HIGHLY recommend it. Tara Leigh Cobble is magnificent at encouraging readers to look for God's character throughout the Bible. (Tip for the day.)
Mike (our elder who taught Sunday) also discussed the Old Testament prophets. He talked about how God used the prophets to prophesize what they trusted and believed but would never see. It makes me all the more ready to sit and talk to Isaiah or Daniel or the others.
I can't imagine how much they must have longed to see what we see… Jesus, their Messiah. Are we not so blessed to know the whole story? I wonder if they felt like we feel studying Ezekial or Revelation. How we long to see the return of Christ riding that horse, returning in all His glory and power.
Isaiah 49 starts with the prophetic words and plans that would play out so many years later through the Messiah. Isaiah 50 teaches, and Jesus speaks about all He will endure. The obedience we're called to pales in comparison. The strength, courage, faith, love, and obedience of Jesus is unfathomable.
Anyway, as I studied this morning, I wanted to share some things.
I often think about how even the earth and creation groan for the return of Christ. Spurgeon spoke about verse 3, when it says, "I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering." He related it to the crucifixion:
"The last miracle recorded here, namely, that of covering the heavens with sackcloth, was performed by our Lord even when he was in his death agony. We read that, at high noon, the sun was veiled, and there was darkness over all the land for three black hours. Wonder of wonders, he who hung bleeding there had wrought that mighty marvel! The sun had looked upon him hanging on the cross, and, as if in horror, had covered its face, and traveled on in tenfold night. The tears of Jesus quenched the light of the sun. Had he been wrathful, he might have put out its light forever; but his love not only restored that light, but it has given to us a light a thousand times more precious, even the light of everlasting life and joy." (from Enduring Word Commentary)
Luke 23:44 tells us, "It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun's light failed," as he describes the crucifixion. I believe the earth and all creation are groaning for Jesus to return. (Romans 8:22) Think about the sun looking at Jesus hanging on the cross and in horror covering its face. The enormity of God and the way even creation loves and glorifies Him should astound us.
Move on to v.4, which talks about God giving Jesus wisdom for the weary. Can I get an AMEN!?
Have you read the words in Red? Do your shoulders ever drop and relax, peace coming over you as you read them? The perfect wisdom, the love, the encouragement, and the clarity in His instructions make us like one listening and ready to take orders.
Obedience comes at a cost. Often, it is a cost we just can't overcome. Even those of us who believe we're walking with the Lord daily and avoiding sin at all costs. How many of us fear man over God on the daily?
Isaiah talks about the cost of our reputation. The cost of rejection or persecution. Are we afraid to post something bold on social media for fear of upsetting or rocking the boat? It's easy to post the "feel good" posts. I'm afraid we're called to much more than that - for such a time as time.
Jesus didn't mince words or fear people. He wasn't worried about them accepting Him. It was a choice for them. It is a choice for us. God has and always will speak the truth in love. Jesus admonished those He needed to admonish. He held His tongue when they spit on him and mocked him. Can we trust God when people mock or disagree with us? Or worse, slander our reputation?
"Only he who knows how to obey can call others to obedience." (Moyter)
If I want to lead my children and grandchildren or others to obey God, they better see me obeying, even at the cost of rejection or reputation.
I heard Him speaking to my heart this morning: stand and do what is right. Right in God's eyes. Even when it's not popular. Even at the cost of relationships.
Holy Spirit, overcome our fear. Live, love, and speak through us – be bold in and through us for Christ. Please help us be obedient to you at all costs.
I'm praying for your courage and boldness this morning. Let's be fierce!
P.S. What are you studying right now? I'd love to hear how God is speaking to you.
Comments