Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Betrayal

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Isaiah 50:4
The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear.

These words JUMP out at me. I love writing these devotions. They have been appearing on the page over and over for more than twenty years. The words often arrive mysteriously, and rouse me first of all.

I imagine that words jump out at preachers, too, and teachers. In Ezekiel the prophet speaks of the scary responsibility of people who use words to influence others.

That responsibility can be intimidating, and then no words come. Jack Hayford often says that we can trust God not to give us stones. He always has bread. And that goes for words too.

I know I say stupid stuff sometimes. However, I also know how cool it is when God works through words that don't mean much to me. I do trust God's providence, God's generosity, and God's willingness to work through very imperfect children. Us. Me.

But Isaiah writes about good intentions being misread and condemned, not by God but by men. "I did not shield my face from buffets and spitting. I set my face like flint."

Jesus knew he would be betrayed. But Judas? Jesus FELT betrayed. He had to find his way through those emotions just like us. "It would be better for that man if he had never been born," he said. Jesus was angry and sad.

The emotions pass, and one day becomes another. Jesus moves straight into the rest of the story. He sets his face, like flint, and lets the awful ridicule and crucifixion come.

Oh, Lord, it is growing dark. There are monsters hiding in the closet. I'm confused by your words, and the future frightens me. I want to run away. You do not run. Help me to stand too, as you do, on God's promises.

Devotions Archive

Betrayal

Wednesday, April 1, 2015