Ep. 167. Isaiah 50-51 | The Lord Opened My Ear

EPISODE 167

THE LORD OPENED MY EAR: ISAIAH 50-51

I love what Isaiah says here in chapter 50, and the "opened ear" calls to mind the voluntary servant of Exodus 21 and the willing servant in the Fortieth Psalm. Christ was delighted to do the will of the Father. He became a servant, obedient to the point of death. He did not turn back from the Father's command. He gave himself over to those who strike the back and pull out the beard. He was mocked and spit upon, but he was not put to shame. God has sent a redeemer to the world. His name is Jesus.

He sustains the weary with a word. And we already know that those who trust him will run and never faint.

Take note of the moth-eaten oppressors of chapters 50 and 51. They will be brought to nothing. This might make us think of the hypocritical Pharisees of Matthew 6 who stored treasures on earth where rust and moth destroy. Those very people will themselves be destroyed. But the righteousness of God will be forever, and his salvation will be for all generations. Though this present heavens and earth will "vanish like smoke," we have no need of fear who have put our confidence in the Lord God and his Savior Servant. All the ransomed ones of the Lord will come singing into Zion. They will be bathed in everlasting joy. All sorrow and every sigh of longing, loneliness, and pain will flee away.

ADDITIONAL READING: Psalm 40:6; Hebrews 10:5-12; Exodus 21: 1-6; 1 Peter 3:10-15; Philippians 2:5-11; Isaiah 40:31