Face like a flint
Today's focusThe servant of the Lord listens morning by morning, does not turn back from suffering and sets his face like a flint, trusting that God will help him.
Read
4The 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. 5The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. 6I 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. 7For 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. 8He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me. 9Behold, 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.
Reflection
In this passage, the servant of the Lord describes a life of deep, daily intimacy with God. Every day, "morning by morning," the Lord wakens his ear so that he may listen and learn. This attentive listening gives him a "tongue of the learned," not for his own pride, but so he may "speak a word in season to him that is weary." As you face the pressures of your own life, you are reminded that God desires to open your ears to his guidance, helping you to find the right words of comfort for those who are struggling around you.
However, this path of obedience is not without cost. The servant describes a commitment so firm that he does not "turn away back," even when facing "shame and spitting." He makes the courageous choice to set his "face like a flint," standing resolute in his purpose despite suffering. You can take heart in knowing that such strength does not come from human will alone. The servant trusts that "the Lord GOD will help" him. Because God is near, you do not need to be confounded or afraid of those who contend with you. Even when circumstances feel overwhelming, you can rely on the one who justifies you.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Where do you need to 'set your face' in faithful obedience, trusting God's help when it is hard?
Pray
Lord God, waken my ear morning by morning to listen to you. Give me the steady trust of your servant, who did not turn back. Thank you that you help me and I will not be put to shame.