Sermon Tone Analysis
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Words of Comfort
We are in the third of a four part series on the so called Servant Poems in Isaiah.
For me, these are so relevant today.
And, there may be surprising things in here too.
Now, I am uncertain that the author of these texts had the Messiah in mind when these were written.
However, they can certainly apply to Jesus, and perhaps, they will help explain WHERE Jesus’ theology was formed.
Again, Jesus’ theology was so opposite to what was expected.
His theology is opposite to what many Christians think and are taught.
How do we handle conflict?
In other words, when you feel like you are taking a beating from life, work, family, spouse, kids, or even your own body, what do you want to happen?
If you are religious and pray often, what would you pray?
Specifically, what would you ask for?
Our text addresses this very subject, written to a people who are engaged in conflict, have been dispossessed from their homes, and are living as refugees under a foreign leader.
(Some of you might feel like that, and some people are actually living that life right now in our town.)
The Lord GOD has given me a student’s tongue (experience),
that I may know how to use a word to bend a weary person.
Every morning he wakes my ear to hear like a student.
Isaiah 50:4
So far, so good.
No conflict.
This is preparatory, the servant here seems to be prepared.
But, this single verse is packed, PAUSE for a moment, let it sink in.
This servant has the experience of a student, one who has to LEARN
And EACH MORNING, the servants ear is awoken to hear, like a LEARNER
And that instruction, WITH the experience of a LEARNER, can be USED to help a WEARY person break the FUNK.
Amazing…words, instruction, teaching can have this impact.
NOTICE…it is the WEARINESS that is broken
NOT the CIRCUMSTANCES!
The Lord GOD has opened my ear and
I have not rebelled,
I have not turned my back to him.
Isaiah 50:5
Why is an ear opened?
And notice, this servant can RELATE to the WEARY.
The servant UNDERSTANDS the CONFLICT.
And they do not BLAME God for it.
They just…LISTEN and LEARN...
But, the world around this servant is NOT FRIENDLY...
And WHEN YOU FACE God…where is your BACKSIDE?
Instead, I gave my back to people who beat me
and my cheeks to people who tore out my beard.
I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
Isaiah 50:6
This image is one of a servant who is IN FRONT of God,
LISTENING TO GOD...
Who have set WHAT IS BEING DONE TO THEM...
BEHIND THEM...
Think of today’s culture wars and how easily people are offended.
The servant handles CONFLICT in a very different way.
What is GOD going TO DO?
His SERVANT is beaten, and has their BEARD TORN OUT.
They are SPIT on and INSULTED...
How will the SERVANT handle the CONFLICT?
But, the Lord GOD he will help (ezr) me, therefore
I have not been shamed and
I have made my face like a rock knowing that
I will not be shamed!
Isaiah 50:7
It DOES NOT say, the Lord GOD will SMITE THEM WITH FIRE.
(Even though that might be what we want to happen)
No, the SERVANT measures their PUBLIC SHAME against their relationship with God.
At this point, has the SERVANT done anything wrong?
No.
DISTINCTION…If you violate moral laws, then you have shame that is deserved.
But THIS CONFLICT, for THIS SERVANT, we are not TOLD WHY.
It is as if the SERVANT is INNOCENT of WRONGDOING.
How does the servant HANDLE THE CONFLICT?
They bring the beard-pullers and violent people before God.
My vindicator has come near, so
who dares to judge me?
Come now, let’s stand together!
Who will be the master of my judgement?
Let him approach me!
Isaiah 50:8
In other words…CATCH THIS...
The SERVANT goes to the JUDGE, God, and dares their accuser to come with them.
Will the ACCUSER or GOD be the MASTER of the servant’s judgement?
See! My Lord GOD will help (ezr) me, so
who will declare my guilt?
See!
All of them are like worn out clothes,
a moth can devour them.
Isaiah 50:9
Oh my, so important here...
If God is for me…then who can really oppose me?
And the SERVANT recognizes people for what they are.
Like WORN OUT CLOTHES.
So weak that a moth can destroy them.
The allusion is that you are WEARING THE INSULTS of others,
when you could be WEARING the WISDOM of GOD.
NARRATOR BREAKS IN…THEREFORE...
Who among you fears the LORD and
obeys the voice of his servant?
Whoever has walked in darkness,
with no bright light inside,
let them trust in the Name of the LORD,
let them depend on their God.
Isaiah 50:10
The Narrator is asking you a question.
Again, we have two characters here.
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