Hidden away in the Old Testament are four Servant Songs and each has the Messiah talking in 1st person. These provide a picture of the inward life of Christ.
- Isaiah 42:1-4 show us his person
- Isaiah 49:1-7 show us his calling
- Isaiah 50:4-9 show us his determination
- Isaiah 53 show us his availability
We will focus on Isaiah 50 to emulate the Son.
The Training of a Disciple
Isaiah 50:4 (NKJV) “The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned.
‘Learned’ can be translated two different ways. 1.) The tongue of the learned is an instructed tongue. An instructed tongue has answers. 2.) The tongue of the learner is a curious tongue. A curious tongue has questions.
The best teacher is the best learner. We are to be at all times a disciple and a discipler. Active learning for a Christian is to never stop…knowing God.
The Purpose of a Disciple
Isaiah 50:4 (NKJV) “The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned.
That introduces a purpose clause. We learn that we might speak a word of encouragement to the weary. This is the reason God gives wisdom. These words call us to examine our motivation. There is a big difference in the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee or Jordon River. One receives but does not give and one receives and keeps on giving. Our learning must be for the benefit of those we serve.
The Discipline of a Disciple
Isaiah 50:4 (NKJV) “The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned.
God desires to encounter his people every day. The days activities are governed by the Father’s purpose. What He has planned shapes the day…we can resist or cooperate.
When we lose focus…the connection is lost. We lose out on learning. We miss opportunities. Inconsistency leads to weakness. We have just enough of God to satisfy our taste bud not enough to become powerful. It must be morning by morning!
The Attention of a Disciple
Isaiah 50:4 (NKJV) “The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned.
He spoke of the tongue before. Now he now speaks of the ear. This is hearing and listening. To hear we must get close. Listening problems are rooted in attitude problems. A humble and submissive attitude enables us to listen.
Where are you on the hearing chart? Are you attentive to His voice?