Daily Devotions
40 Days and 40 Nights
"I gave My back to those who struck Me..."
Text: Isaiah 50:6
SUFFERING
One of the hardest things to do in life is to endure suffering. Many struggle with suffering from diseases, setbacks in life etc. Some are so badly affected they end up with deep psychological problems.
Even harder to bear is when we are called to suffer though we have done nothing wrong. This was one of the greatest challenges that the Lord had to face. The 40 Days and 40 Nights sojourn in the wilderness would be an important period of training for Him.
INTIMATION OF SUFFERING
The following text gives us an intimation that Jesus was forewarned about the suffering He would have to endure.
“I gave My back to those who struck Me,
And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard;
I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.”
Isaiah 50:6
1. Physical suffering
The following expressions indicate that the Lord Jesus would suffer physical abuse.
a) “Those who struck Me”
b) “Who plucked out the beard”
c) “Spitting”
2. Emotional and mental suffering
Physical suffering is difficult to bear. But sometimes emotional and mental suffering is even harder to bear.
a) “Shame”
b) This word suggests that the suffering here is more emotional and mental.
3. “I gave”
a) “My back”
b) “My cheek”
c) This would suggest that Jesus did not seek to flee from the suffering that would be His lot one day.
AN EFFECTIVE TRAINING PROGRAM
Can a person be trained so well that he would be unafraid of suffering? The simple answer is “Yes!” But how does this work?
1. Development of a strong heart and mind
This would be of critical importance.
2. Development of faith and trust in God
This is absolutely essential too.
3. Endurance and perseverance
Being able to survive 40 Days and 40 Nights would have gone a long way to increase the ability of Jesus to possess endurance. He would have cultivated a truly powerful and courageous spirit. The sojourn in the wilderness would have stood Him in good stead.