Lent 2020 Day 38

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 50:4-11

This is the third Servant Song found in Isaiah. As you read this you probably noticed striking similarities to Jesus' death. Mark reads, "Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him" (Mark 15:15-20). Notice that the servant submits not to the authority of his accusers and oppressors but to the authority of the sovereign Lord. The Servant knew that in spite of the difficulties and trials that he faced, God would strengthen him and sustain him. 

Isaiah 50:6 points out the horrors of Jesus' crucifixion, while verse 9 points out the source of Christ's strength, the Lord. This Servant Song seems dark and hopeless much like it was for Jesus' followers on that Friday he was crucified. Their leader had been killed, what were they going to do now? But we see the bigger picture and the hope that is to come from the hand of the Lord. Those who are in the dark are encouraged to trust in God who is the ultimate source of light. Jesus knew this truth, that's why he could endure the cross. Today we must cling to God's promise of light and life even in the darkest times of our lives. 

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, you who brought hope out of despair, you who brought light out of dark, you who brought good out of evil. I praise you, for you alone are worthy to be praised. Help me to remember that you are faithful when I doubt, get discouraged, and become angry. Help me to rely on you when it seems like there is nothing good that can happen in my life because I know that you are with me just as you were with Jesus in his darkest hour. Amen.