I Did Not Hide

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.

Pierced Ears

Since Cain and Abel, people have tried to find favor with God by offering sacrifices. But God desires obedience. He accepts sacrifices when they come through acts of obedience.

Sacrifices were in line with God’s established practices in the Old Testament, and they’re still around. In today’s society, sacrifices might include monetary gifts, abstaining from something, good deeds, or an act of self-surrender. One of the things they accomplish is helping us recognize our vulnerable, weak nature.

A psalmist used a vivid image to portray the ultimate sacrifice: Sacrifices and offerings you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced. . . . (Ps. 40:6a NIV)

The image is based on the Old Testament practice of temporarily selling yourself into slavery to cover debts or some other need. When the time of service was done, a man could volunteer to remain a slave permanently. If he did, the owner would pierce his ear as a mark of his permanent status. (Ex. 21:4-6)

The point is the total commitment of an unending sacrifice. God's great desire is not merely temporary gifts or sacrificial offerings; He wants us to give the sacrifice of ourselves.

Originally published September 17, 1982.
Picture: Lindenwood Park, Fargo, 2008. Photo by Solveig.