Tuesday, 25th March 2025
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: Struck And Spat On
THEME SCRIPTURE: “I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting” – Isaiah 50:6
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- How does Christ’s willingness to suffer shape your understanding of humility and obedience?
Human nature instinctively recoils from pain and humiliation. Throughout history, humanity has relentlessly sought to avoid suffering, building fortified cities, advancing medical science, and crafting systems for self-preservation. Even in personal conflicts, we instinctively dodge situations that expose us to shame or harm. Yet, in the face of adversity, this deep-seated drive for self-protection is powerfully challenged by the example of surrender in Isaiah 50:6.
Today's text reveals a powerful contrast to humanity's instinctive aversion to pain and humiliation. Through the Spirit of prophecy, Isaiah foretold a striking aspect of the Messiah’s character—His willing submission to unbearable suffering. Despite every opportunity to avoid it, He chose to endure. Isaiah 50:6 boldly declares, “I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.” This prophecy paints a vivid picture: the Messiah offers Himself to be whipped with instruments meant to tear His flesh, His beard torn from His face in an act of brutal humiliation, and His dignity crushed as He is spat upon in contempt. Yet, even in the face of such cruelty, He did not shrink back.
The willingness of the Messiah to endure such unspeakable pain in obedience to the Father is beyond comparison. That He suffered not for His wrongdoing but for the redemption of humanity is a truth so staggering that it fills the hearts of the redeemed with overwhelming joy.
How can we not rejoice, knowing that His agony secured our freedom? The stanza 4 of William Cowper’s timeless hymn, “There is a fountain filled with blood” precisely captures how grateful we should be: “E’er since by faith I saw the stream, Thy flowing wounds supply, Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die: And shall be till I die, And shall be till I die; Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die.”
Dearly beloved in Christ, as we journey through this sacred Lenten season, let us pause and reflect on the immense suffering Christ endured out of His boundless love for us. He did not shy away from pain—He embraced it willingly, for our sake. In His suffering, He showed us the depths of His devotion and sacrifice.
Should we not follow His example and take up our own cross with courage and love? When we face hardships, rejection, or persecution because of our faith, let us find strength in His unwavering obedience. The price of our redemption was paid with His submission—struck, mocked, and despised by the very people He came to save. This is the love that conquered death for us.
May this truth ignite a fire in our hearts, driving us to a deeper commitment to Christ. Let His sacrifice inspire us to stand firm in our faith, no matter the cost, and to follow Him with a love that mirrors His own.
FURTHER READING – Isaiah 50:5-6.
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Are you willing to endure hardship for the sake of your faith?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I am amazed that such redeeming love compelled Jesus to willingly defy the obvious pain and humiliation that He had to go through for my salvation. Help me by Your Holy Spirit to always look on this example to embrace the suffering that comes with being a Christian, in Christ Jesus. Amen.
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
John 16; Numbers 31; Psalm 84
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