Daily Devotions
40 Days and 40 Nights
"He is near who justifies Me..."
Text: Isaiah 50:8
A WONDERFULLY CLOSE RELATIONSHIP
One of the most remarkable things we cannot help but notice is the close relationship the Messiah-Servant sustained with the Lord. The following text helps us to appreciate this precious relationship.
“He is near who justifies Me;
Who will contend with Me?
Let us stand together.
Who is My adversary?
Let him come near Me.
Surely the Lord GOD will help Me;
Who is he who will condemn Me?
Indeed they will all grow old like a garment;
The moth will eat them up.”
Isaiah 50:8-9
1. Tough situations
a) There were many tough situations in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.
b) The following may be highlighted:-
i) At the beginning of His public ministry
Severe rejection at Nazareth where the people wanted to throw Jesus down a cliff (Luke 4:28-30).
ii) At the end of His public ministry
At the trials of Jesus where He was physically tortured (Luke 22-23; Matthew 26-27).
2. “He is near who justifies Me”
a) This was consciously understood.
i) Prophetically
ii) Personally
iii) Practically (in real life and ministry)
b) This enabled Jesus to have strong confidence in the Lord.
c) Jesus was able to maintain a tremendous spirit of calm control in every situation of life and ministry.
3. The Presence of the Father displayed
a) At the baptism of the Lord Jesus where He began His public ministry.
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:17
b) At the transfiguration of Jesus.
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
Matthew 17:5
c) In response to a spontaneous prayer Jesus offered
“Father, glorify Your name…”
John 12:28
“I have glorified it and will glorify it again.”
John 12:28