Isaiah 50:4 - Encouragement Classes Begin Each Morning.
Isaiah 50:4; Encouragement Classes Begin Each Morning.
Isaiah 50:4 (KJV) The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the
learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is
weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as
the learned.
Isaiah 50:4 (GWT) The Almighty LORD will teach me what to say,
so I will know how to encourage weary people. Morning after morning
he will wake me to listen like a student.
Isaiah 50:4 (NLT) The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of
wisdom, so that I know what to say to all these weary ones. Morning by
morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.
CONTEXT
The commission of the failed servant nation (49:1-4) is taken up
by an Individual who will redeem and restore Israel (vv. 5-26).
Equipped by Yahweh, this Servant will rely fully on the LORD (50:1-11).
God will redeem Israel, as He cared for her in the past
(51:1-52:12). But this will be accomplished only by the Suffering Servant's
death (v. 13-53:12). [The 365-Day Devotional Commentary]
The third of the four servant songs.
Third song of the servant (50:4-11)
The LORD's Servant Trusts in the LORD's Help
The LORD's Obedient Servant
The Servant's Humiliation and Vindication
CROSS REFERENCES
Exodus 4:12 (KJV) Now therefore go, and I will be with thy
mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
Luke 12:12 (KJV) For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same
hour what ye ought to say.
Proverbs 25:11 (KJV) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
in pictures of silver.
Isaiah 57:15 (KJV) For thus saith the high and lofty One that
inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy
place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive
the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite
ones.
Matthew 11:28 (KJV) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
John 7:17 (KJV) If any man will do his will, he shall know of
the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
COMMENTARY / APPLICATION
Before Christ came to this earth the plan for His life "lay out
before Him, perfect in all its details"; nevertheless, living as a man
among men, He laid aside His foreknowledge of these things and was
guided by the Father's will as it was unfolded to Him day by day. This
fact makes even more meaningful the many occasions on which it is
recorded that Jesus spent entire nights in prayer. [SDA Commentary]
Apart from the salvation so graciously provided by Christ, the
restless hearts of sinful men can never be at peace. [SDA Commentary]
The Messiah would come into the world as the living "Word", or
spokesman for God, and His constant mission was to comfort and instruct
those who were weary of sin (Matt. 11:28). [SDA Commentary]
According to Isaiah, one thing alone would enable God's Servant
to succeed where Israel failed. Where Israel rebelled, this Servant
would be totally obedient.
The words of this passage awaken a deeper appreciation of Jesus
and the life He lived on earth. He committed Himself to help His
fellowman by obeying God completely. Only by relying on the LORD--by
opening His ears and not being rebellious--was He able to win our
salvation.
Isaiah's major passages dealing with the Servant of the LORD are
called Servant Songs. They speak primarily of Jesus and the life He
lived here on earth. But they apply quite directly to you and me. We
who have been redeemed are called to be God's servants, as Jesus was
(cf. Matt. 20:26-28). This passage tells us much about our own
servant lifestyle.
We are to sustain the weary (v. 4a). To do this we must listen
closely to the LORD (v. 4b), and obey rather than rebel against what He
says (v. 5). The path of obedience is difficult, often exposing us to
ridicule and even persecution (v. 6a). But we, like Jesus, must remain
committed, and trust the LORD to vindicate us in the end (vv. 7-8). [The
365-Day Devotional Commentary]
When we are sick, we turn to a medical doctor who has taken
years of training in order to heal the sick. When we are in trouble
in business we frequently turn to an attorney with years of
training. Or for spiritual matters we turn to the minister, usually a
person who holds a degree from a seminary. But listen as God speaks!
All knowledge is from Him! He is able to give "the tongue of those
who are taught," with the purpose of sustaining the weary. And
where and when may we gain this marvelous gift? In the morning as we
draw near Him in prayer, petition, adoration and worship. He will
awaken us to hear "as those who are taught." We have an opportunity to
ask the fount of all knowledge to have a tongue to speak His words,
and an ear to hear His words. [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom]
All around us are afflicted souls. Here and there, everywhere,
we may find them. Let us search out these suffering ones and speak
a word in season to comfort their hearts. Let us ever be channels
through which shall flow the refreshing waters of compassion.... Those who
are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be strengthened
and encouraged by little attentions that cost only a loving effort.
To such the strong, helpful grasp of the hand by a true friend is
worth more than gold or silver. Words of kindness are as welcome as
the smile of angels.... Careworn and oppressed, they know not where to
turn for relief. Sympathize with them in their trials, their
heartaches, and disappointments. This will open the way for you to help
them. Speak to them of God's promises, pray with and for them, inspire
them with hope. {MH 158}
At the bedside of the dying no word of creed or controversy is
to be spoken. The sufferer is to be pointed to the One who is
willing to save all who come to Him in faith. Earnestly, tenderly,
strive to help the soul that is hovering between life and death... teach
them to grasp with the hand of faith the outstretched hand of the
Saviour. Then the mind will be illuminated with the light radiating from
the Sun of Righteousness. {7T73}
Language to Be an Outward Expression of Inward Grace {AH 435}
|
|
