29 March 2026

The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. 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. But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. (Is. 50:5-7)

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

Jesus invites us suffering people bound – like slaves – to sin, to turn to Him daily. He does not strike our backs like a taskmaster or like His back was once struck. But He comes to us daily, gently leading us with His rod and staff, Law and Gospel, to turn us away from our old rebellious self and to delight in Him who vindicated us and fulfilled all righteousness for us. Jesus is the faithful servant who suffered like us and, most importantly, for us that we may rejoice in Him “who endured from us sinners [and for sinners] such hostility against himself, so that we may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hb. 12:3)

Pastor Jaime