Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ,
Growing up, my favorite people were my teachers. From elementary school through high school, teachers quenched my thirst for knowledge helping me to learn things – what they were, how they worked – so I could figure other things out. And…it’s largely proven helpful in my life!
Isaiah had a similar appreciation for teachers…the ultimate teacher, God the Father. Isaiah 50 is a continuation of what’s known as the “Song of the Suffering Servant” – passages foretelling of Jesus’ suffering and death to fulfill His Father’s plan of salvation.
Like many of us, it would appear Jesus also learned from His Father, “The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.” (Isaiah 50:4). We often forget Jesus was accompanied throughout His ministry by His Father and the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:9-13) Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit and His Father to sustain the weary, strengthened to withstand the abuse He endured throughout His life on earth. (Isaiah 50:6-7)
Jesus’ teacher helped Him to perfectly understand that despite the world’s cruelty toward Him, He was never alone. “He who vindicates me” (Isaiah 50:8) stood with Him every step He took to the cross. Though the world’s powers called Him a liar – guilty of blasphemy – Jesus knew the truth and that His Father would prove His righteousness. Not to make Him feel good, but to save us and all who believe from the eternal effects of sin and death.
Today God teaches us how much and what He did to love us – to save us from our sins so we can be His means to sustain those around us who are wearied by the world and the sin that wears them down. Let’s know God stands with us. Let’s not fear the wrath of the world which tries to disgrace and shame us. Let’s awaken each day to learn from God’s Word and then follow Him into the world to serve Him by teaching others.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Jim