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Lenten devotions 2008

MARCH 12 - POWER TO LIFT US OUT
By Ruth Hochstetler, day circulation supervisor of the Good Library

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 50:4-9a (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete Scripture.

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DEVOTIONAL:
Like the prophet experienced, I have yearned to hear the Lord’s voice every morning and to speak words that sustain the weary. In this Lenten season, perhaps my stillness will attract the Lord’s awesome revelation. However, obeying the call to receive and bear the divine message led the prophet into the depths of persecution. From that place of pain we hear his confident declaration to continue on, sure of God’s help and vindication.

Jesus also entered the depths of persecution through obeying and speaking the Word of God. His eyes stayed fixed on the promised joy to come when he would rise from there triumphantly.

This depth of suffering I have not known. But in my times of darkness I have felt the same Helper beside me, the Strength-Giver supporting me. I sensed God’s presence when Joy, an odd companion to pain, showed up unexpectedly during a time of grief. I have felt my Comforter in the depths of fear. What courage developed as I was given songs of faith to sing!

In verse nine, the prophet hurls the question, “Who is he that will condemn me?” And I am reminded of the words in Romans 8:34, “Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died -- more who was raised to life -- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” We need not fear the depths then, but look for the One who enters the darkness with us and has the power to lift us out.

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SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 50:4-9a (NRSV)
The Lord God has given me

the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain
the weary with a word.

Morning by morning he wakens --
wakens my ear

to listen as those who are taught.

The Lord God has opened my ear,

and I was not rebellious,

I did not turn backwards.

I gave my back to those who struck me,

and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;

I did not hide my face

from insult and spitting.

The Lord God helps me;

therefore I have not been disgraced;

therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
he who vindicates me is near.

Who will contend with me?

Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.

It is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?

All of them will wear out like a garment;
the moth will eat them up.

Posted at 10:59 #