Obedient to the Message

Isaiah 50:5 says, "The Lord GOD has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away." Jesus listened to the Father and did not turn away from the Word. He always remained obedient to the message. Oh, that we too would open our ear and listened to what God is telling us. Oh, that we too would not turn away but would always remain obedient to the message.

This was completely contrary to the people of Isaiah's day. Their idea of God's power and care had to do with preserving the cultural status quo and enlarging the nation politically and militarily. It had little to do with accepting God's standards of justice and righteousness. We must be obedient to the message of righteousness and stay on track.

The Messiah, the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ stayed on message. Again He said, "I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away" (v. 5b). The Messiah, the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, when He walked this earth two thousand years ago, stayed on message. He did not waiver from the message the Father sent Him to deliver.

Listening to the Father and not turning away is also a contrast with the people of Israel in Isaiah's day, the people to whom he prophesied. The prophets had faithfully taught them God's truth, but they did not listen. Isaiah stated plainly: "Surely from long ago your ear was not opened" (Isa. 48:8). Like Jesus, we must have our ears open, listening to the Word of God and being obedient to the message. Amen.