Keep your focus on Christ.

Isaiah 50:4-9 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. The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.

These verses are a prophecy of Jesus Christ written over 700 years before Christ! These verses describe some attributes of Christ that we also should attain to in our Christian life. We are to become more like Jesus. Admiring Christ’s person and manners causes us to become more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). Jesus’ tongue and ears were affected by the Father. Jesus’ ears were open to what the Father had to say. Jesus’ tongue was full of wisdom, truth, and compassion. He depended on God the Father to help Him as He faced opposition. His purpose was resolute and undaunted by His adversaries. God would give Him the victory by raising Him from the dead.

1.      Is your tongue yielded to God? Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6

2.      Are your ears open to listening to God through His Word? … mine ears hast thou opened… Psalm 40:6b

3.      Are you following Jesus on a straight path with an undaunted purpose in serving Him?

a.      Proverbs 4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

b.      Hebrews 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

c.      Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

d.      1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Let’s yield our ears, our mouth, our eyes, and our feet to God that He might get the glory! As you do, you will become more like Jesus! Let’s follow Him!

Ron Cox - Director of HOPE Ministry