The forty-second day of our commentary from the International Formation house in Ann Arbor, MI following our Meditations for the 40 Days. John Yocum comments on Isaiah 50, the third “suffering servant” song.
The Servant of God goes through insult and suffering, but God will vindicate him in the end.
4 The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him that is weary. Morning by morning he wakens, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. 5 The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I turned not backward. 6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I hid not my face from shame and spitting. 7 For the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; 8 he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. 9 Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up. – Isa 50:4-9 RSV
Have you listened to our podcast during this season? Please fill out this form to let us know what you think!
Alternatively, you can listen via our RSS podcast feed, or through our iTunes podcast.