To stand one’s ground in the face of persecution—or even ridicule—requires faith and strength. But sometimes, as when the prophet Isaiah withstood hostile attacks, he turned his suffering into prophetic revelation. Writing about himself, he prophesied of Jesus: I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. (Is. 50:6 NIV)
It is difficult to fathom the horror of that type of experience. Yet Christians throughout history have suffered intense persecution. The end of Isaiah's story is not happy. Tradition tells us he is the man referred to in Hebrews 11:37 who was sawed in two.
Most of Jesus' apostles were martyrs. Paul submitted to jail rather than deny God’s revelation—and tradition tells us he also died as a martyr. And the sad reality is that many suffer today for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah shared a message of commitment: I have set my face like a flint. . . . (Is. 50:7b) Although he did not experience victory while he lived, he looked beyond life to His God, to the One who offers ultimate victory.
Originally published September 20, 1985.
Picture: Lois's garden, Spokane, 2009. Photo by Solveig.
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