So, how do I speak words that will sustain the weary? What does this look like in practice?
The weary that Isaiah 50:4 is referring to are the people of Israel, and the world, whom the Messiah would come to. They are those who are burdened down with sin, guilt, and condemnation under the Law. They await the good news of the Messiah and the good news of a New Covenant. A covenant of grace, mercy, redemption, forgiveness, and righteousness before God. These are the words of the Messiah which will sustain the weary and give them life. These are the words we must give to others if we are going to speak words that sustain the weary.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Mat. 11:28).”
People, even genuine believers, are often weary, burdened down by bondage to sin; burdened down by bondage to the Old Covenant when they should be living under the freedom and life of the New Covenant instituted by the blood of Jesus. They are bound by fear, legalistic adherence to man-made additions to God’s Word, and continual effort to earn God’s favor.
What do people need to hear? The gospel. The good news. People need to hear that in Christ there is absolute, perfect, grace, mercy, redemption, forgiveness, and righteousness before God. We need to remind ourselves and others of the truths of the New Covenant. Our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone (Eph. 2:8-9). We are free from bondage to the Law (Gal. 3-5, Col. 2, Heb. 8:13), free from condemnation (Rom 8:1, 33-34), free to live in righteousness and holiness (Rom. 6:11-13), free from the power of sin over us (Rom. 6:14). There is freedom from dead religious ritual and the traditions of man (Col. 2:15-23).
The weary that Isaiah 50:4 is referring to are the people of Israel, and the world, whom the Messiah would come to. They are those who are burdened down with sin, guilt, and condemnation under the Law. They await the good news of the Messiah and the good news of a New Covenant. A covenant of grace, mercy, redemption, forgiveness, and righteousness before God. These are the words of the Messiah which will sustain the weary and give them life. These are the words we must give to others if we are going to speak words that sustain the weary.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Mat. 11:28).”
People, even genuine believers, are often weary, burdened down by bondage to sin; burdened down by bondage to the Old Covenant when they should be living under the freedom and life of the New Covenant instituted by the blood of Jesus. They are bound by fear, legalistic adherence to man-made additions to God’s Word, and continual effort to earn God’s favor.
What do people need to hear? The gospel. The good news. People need to hear that in Christ there is absolute, perfect, grace, mercy, redemption, forgiveness, and righteousness before God. We need to remind ourselves and others of the truths of the New Covenant. Our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone (Eph. 2:8-9). We are free from bondage to the Law (Gal. 3-5, Col. 2, Heb. 8:13), free from condemnation (Rom 8:1, 33-34), free to live in righteousness and holiness (Rom. 6:11-13), free from the power of sin over us (Rom. 6:14). There is freedom from dead religious ritual and the traditions of man (Col. 2:15-23).
“If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed (Jn. 8:36)!” We are free! . . . Eternally free! Hallelujah! . . . That’s a word to sustain the weary! . . . That’s a word to get up and shout about! Hallelujah!
I Am Free
(Jon Egan)
Through you the blind will see
Through you the mute will sing
Through you the dead will rise
Through you all hearts will praise
Through you the darkness flees
Through you my heart screams
I am free
I Am Free to Run
I Am Free to Dance
I Am Free to Live for You
I Am Free
Through you the kingdom comes
Through you the battle's won
Through you the price is paid
Through you I'm not afraid
Through you there's victory
Because of you my soul sings
I am free
Who the Son Sets Free is Free Indeed – Now
Tomorrow: Speaking Grace (Isaiah 50:4a)
Soli Deo Gloria
Soli Deo Gloria
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