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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion March 10, 2008 GET REAL |
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Frontline Devotion for Monday, March 10, 2008 by Fritz Foltz
Isaiah 50:6, 7 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.
The Servant’s Humiliation and Vindication
“Get real” can be good advice, really good advice when you are insisting on doing what will never work. Often we become so obsessed with the impossible that we beat our heads against a wall. Then we should “get real”, should adjust to what is possible, “go with the flow”, “change with the times”, compromise, conform.
Oops. Wait a minute. I have gone too far. What about Paul in Romans 12 warning, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what the will of God— what is is good and acceptable and perfect”.
For Paul “get real” means accepting the will of God to the point of presenting “your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship”
That’s the kind of “get real” the prophet describes in today’s lesson. Isaiah says God has opened his ears to hear what many others do not hear. Each morning he awakens to hear God’s promises. Therefore, he is willing to speak for God even if it means insult and torture. He sets his face like flint, will never swerve from his goal, because he is certain God cares for him when he speaks God’s truth.
I have always liked that image “Set your face like flint”. Christians are to be determined not to be turned aside from their goal, because they know God supports their work and it will eventually work.
At this time in Lent we remember Jesus sets his face like flint to do God’s will. He does not choose death as a fatalist. Rather he chooses to live God’s way even though the consequences in his place and time mean this will result in death.
So, too as Lent winds down, we should set out faces like flint. Perhaps today we would say we should become like steel as we witness to God’s will. We should let nothing deter us, not ridicule, not rejection, not punishment. “Get real” means put your life on the line for truth as measured by Jesus, assured God is caring for you as you do it.
Let us pray: Be with us, Father, today and every day that we might be steadfast witnesses to your truth. Enable us to know your constant support so we might have the courage to speak for you wherever we find ourselves. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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