Daily Devotion, March 23, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 50:4-7.

I almost missed it! “Flint” was the first word which captured my attention with plenty of good reasons! Growing up near the Flint River in Georgia, searching for ancient “flint” arrowheads in that same area was common. It was interesting learning about the kind of rock known as “flint”. Flint is a hard, tough sedimentary rock. Flint is a shining rock. And one commentary said, "’to set my face like flint’ meant that not only would the writer’s face be set with determination, but also his face would be shining. His would not be a face of dejection."

The New Testament’s verse about Jesus, from Luke 9:51, ”As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem,” mirrors Isaiah’s phrase, “to set my face like flint.”

I could envision Isaiah’s face and Christ’s face set for their journeys. I could also find stories of individuals who have been “resolute” in their pursuits of many good things. But that’s when I remembered the words of the Rev. Charles Lippse. “Read the scripture passage many times over and over, to allow God to speak clearly to you.”

After several readings, the words, “The Lord God helps me,” finally got my attention! And I re-read the prior verses and realized all that God is initiating and doing in this passage: “God is giving, God awakens, God opens.”

It dawned on me that often we set our faces “resolute” with good intentions, and good causes, and then ask God to help us! We have reversed the order. Sometimes, we ask God to follow us! But the writer of Isaiah was clear; God was leading, guiding, helping and sustaining him even through very difficult times of suffering. THEREFORE, he could continue on in his faithful journey of following God.

Jesus didn’t miss this! Jesus knew God was with him and helping him and God would be leading and guiding him with full assurance of peace as he faced the trials in Jerusalem. Jesus set the example of being loyal unto God no matter what happens.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, thank you for these words of assurance from Isaiah. You are our helper. Forgive us for setting our own course, before we listen to you. Help us always to pause before we “set our faces like flint”, to be sure we are listening for your direction and following in Christ’s footsteps. Amen.