Who Moved?
Opening Prayer
Holy God, let Your great Word take hold of my life. Increase my faith and enhance my witness.
Read Isaiah 50:1-11
[1] This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? Because of your sins you were sold; because of your transgressions your mother was sent away. [2] When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Was my arm too short to deliver you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert; their fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. [3] I clothe the heavens with darkness and make sackcloth its covering.” [4] The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. [5] The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. [6] 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 and spitting. [7] Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. [8] He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! [9] It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up. [10] Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on their God. [11] But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What are the "gifts" of the Sovereign Lord?This third look at the “Servant” challenges the abandonment God’s people are feeling (1,2). The LORD reassures them that it is not he who has initiated their “divorce” or “sale” (1), but rather it is they who have been fickle and abandoned him. God came and he called, but did not get any response (2). The same happened in the Garden of Eden when God came calling for Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:9). Why did the people doubt his ability to save them when he is the powerful Creator? The Servant is the one who listens carefully to God. He teaches what he has already learned (4). Note how his attentiveness to God is dedicated and daily. He is willing to suffer because he knows that he can trust God absolutely (6,7). He models wholehearted obedience. The challenge of this passage is that God is calling for this obedience in his people. Yet again they are being warned and called to return to him and trust him for rescue. Those who refuse and continue to walk in darkness (or live by the light of their own cleverness) will be judged accordingly (11).
Apply
If you feel distant from God, ask yourself, “Who moved?” God constantly takes the initiative in calling us. What will be your response?
Closing prayer
Sovereign Lord, let Your holy will be done in my life today; accomplish great things in me and through me.
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