Isaiah 50:4-9a
The Lord, the Eternal, equipped me for this job—with skilled speech, a smooth tongue for instruction. I can find the words that comfort and soothe the downtrodden, tired, and despairing. And I know when to use them. Each morning, it is God who wakes me and tells me what I should do, what I should say. The Lord, the Eternal, has helped me to listen, and I do as He says. I have not been rebellious or run away from God’s work. But it’s been hard. I offered My back to those who whipped me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not turn away from humiliation and spitting. Because the Lord, the Eternal, helps me I will not be disgraced; so, I set my face like a rock, confident that I will not be ashamed. My hero who sets things right is near. Who would dare to challenge me? Let’s stand and debate this head-to-head! Who would dare to accuse me? Let him come near. See here, the Lord, the Eternal, helps me—who could possibly win against me? Isaiah 50:4-9a (VOICE)
Do these verses from the Old Testament book of Isaiah remind you of anything that we’re remembering about Jesus this week? They were written during the Babylonian exile and in their original context, scholars speculate that the prophet was referencing either a nameless servant or the exiled community of Israel. But for early Christians, approximately 700 years later, it was prophetic of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
These verses could very well have been on Jesus’ mind as he returned to Jerusalem for the last time; aware, I believe, of what was coming. He had lived into the example of the servant in this Psalm, by associating with the poor, the outcast, the widow, the sinner. He had spoken out against the Jewish authorities for their rigid interpretation of the laws without regard for the intent of the law – to open our eyes to the selfishness of sin – and ultimately Jesus proclaimed that he was the Messiah, the son of God.
Just like the servant in Isaiah, Jesus spoke truth to power. And suffered for it.
As a Christian who claims to love God and God’s kingdom, how would I speak out for the poor and the oppressed? How would you? What would that look like? Offering food and shelter to the poor? Welcoming the immigrant? Standing up for those of other races and sexual identities? Would you, would I, be willing to suffer ourselves to bring them hope? Who does God’s kingdom include . . . exclude?
It remains a question that is relevant for our times, isn’t it?
What is God’s call and what does that mean for the way we live our lives? What is God’s call and how can we speak truth to power? What is God’s call, and do we believe that God will be a source of confidence and hope in our efforts?
Questions for Reflection:
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Have you ever spoken truth to power? How did that go?
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How should we interpret God’s direction to feed the hungry, invite in the stranger, cloth the naked, care for the sick, visit the prisoner (Matthew 25:35-40)?
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How can we prepare ourselves for following Christ’s call in the face of opposition?
Prayer:
Risen Lord, We are being directed to feed the hungry, invite in the stranger, cloth the naked, care for the sick, visit the prisoner . . . It is good to waive our palm branches and celebrate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on his way to the cross, but then there is the rest of the story. How do we live out Jesus’ example of love and compassion for all? Be our inspiration and support as we actively work to spread his message of grace and mercy. Amen.
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