March 3, 2025

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“See, My servant will act wisely. He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.” (Isaiah 52.13)

REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

In education and problem-solving, there is value in following the “backward design” model. Such a model sees the goal or objective that is desired and then works backward through the steps and needs to achieve it. It is taking what we know and working past what we think we do not know. Such is the wisdom in today’s verse from Isaiah 52 which God presents for all of Israel. In His faithful servant God demonstrates the truth which is for every person who follows His example.

What is the goal? To be raised up, lifted up and highly exalted.

What is the means of achieving that goal? To act wisely.

Now the question that should come to mind is “What does it mean to act wisely?“

Beyond any other descriptor, one acts wisely when they believe in the God of the Word, listen to the Word of God and follow it all the days of his/her life. People often fall short at the very first step. They are good to believe in God as long as the Word of God agrees with them. They take too much comfort in being a part of the world and its lack of restrictions. The question is “Is there really a lack of restrictions?” We see in today’s world the push for a freedom where there are no restrictions on identity, activity and prosperity. Again, are the presumed lack of restrictions desired actually translatable into a lack of restrictions. Or is it a trading off of one set of restrictions for another? Ultimately, it is a choice of “By which rules shall we go by?” For the most part, that pursuit of the absence of those restrictions which apparently rule one’s life unfairly is for the benefit of one’s self and not others. Others are able to choose to live by their own rules, too, as long as they are not in conflict. Follow the trail of “backward design” and imagine what the world would look like if everyone simply were allowed to do whatever they wanted without restriction. Are we even able to envision such a world? Believing in the God of the Word puts the focus on God first and His Kingdom. Jesus said this in His Sermon on the Mount, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all that is needed to accomplish His will shall be provided.” (Matthew 6.33) Placing our life’s focus on God and His will for our lives, which scripture clearly outlines, helps to steady our ability to maintain the course.

Of course, we actually have to listen to the Word of God. As I have taught before, there is a vast difference between “hearing” and “listening.” Hearing is the receiving of a message verbally or non-verbally through the senses. Just because we “hear” it doesn’t mean we pay attention to it, understand or respond accordingly. That would be the aspect and objective of “listening.” Listening is defined by the intent to receive the message, regardless of how it is given, and respond to it with the intention of interacting decisively and appropriately to it. The burden falls on the message giver to send the message in such a way that the mutual benefit of sending and receiving (speaking and listening) is indeed mutual. For example, on a Sunday morning as we find ourselves in worship and are being given instructions for righteous living are we hearing only or are we listening with the intent to respond appropriately. Or, are we only listening for what we agree with and evaluating from that perspective what we should think and what we should do? Do we read scripture in the same way? If so, then what kind of communication are we sharing and how effective is it for the sake of others and for the glory of God? Being a follower of Christ as a believer in God requires diligence in our walk and in our talk.

The hardest part of this “discipleship” is the following of “instruction.” We may believe. We may be listening. But are we following along in order to reach the true goal and objective that is best for our lives? Look at the life of Jesus of Nazareth who was, is and will always be the Christ of God and the Savior of the world. What was the goal and objective of His life? Wasn’t it to demonstrate that believing in God will lead others to living out life to its fullest? Jesus taught and demonstrated the perspective of “righteousness.” The first words we hear from Him in the scriptures is “Didn’t you know you would find Me in My Father’s House?” His parents were on their way back to Nazareth following their Passover journey to Jerusalem where Jesus had his bar-mitzvah. He was there teaching the elders about righteousness in the Word of God. They were the first words of His manhood. Eighteen years later, we hear Jesus again speak about His place in life as He entered the waters of the Jordan River to confront John the Baptizer, His cousin. He was not debating with Him nor correcting Him. Jesus was submitting to both God and John with the decision to be baptized. Such baptism as John provided was the entry point into the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. When John sought to defer to Jesus and instead be baptized by Him, Jesus responded, “This is right for us to do in order to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3.15) In the “first” word, we see Jesus demonstrating His belief in God of the Word. In the “second” word, we see Jesus demonstrating His decision to listen to God’s Word. In His “last” word, we are given to the fulfillment of His belief and willingness to obey as He laid down His life for the entire world that it know of the path of salvation. This was His goal and objective. He came to save us from the penalty of our sins which is eternal death. He laid down His life as an atonement for our sins. His actions were that of responding wisely and being filled with the wisdom of God.

What did we get? The introduction, invitation and initiation into the reality of grace and mercy which only God can provide. Believing in His Word, listening to His Word and living out His Word will afford us the same blessing as was given to Jesus, God’s only begotten Son: being raised in the family of God, being lifted up from out of the world and exalted. Yes, we will be exalted, too. Following after Jesus wisely and pursuing the course of righteousness will result in us as we enter into Heaven to be greeted and exalted with “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” Jesus received the benefit of us all, all who will believe, getting to Heaven and dwelling in the fullness of God’s presence forever.

TODAY’S PRAYER IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness which we know is folly but righteous works which declare Your glory and further witness the truth that can set all who believe free from death. So may we live by the name of Jesus our Christ. AMEN.