Taking a Beating (Isaiah 50:6)

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)

Few people could identify with the extreme brutality that Jesus endured. Very, very few.

A few people, soldiers and spies, some persecuted Christians have faced extreme brutality and can perhaps identify with what Jesus went through physically. Most of us can’t even imagine it. We cringe and shrink away at the thought of it let alone the sight. It is too much to watch. And Jesus willingly walked right into it.

Jesus was punched in the face . . . struck in the head with a rod . . . savagely beaten with a metal laced whip till His flesh was dangling from His body . . . long thorny spikes pressed into His brow. It was brutal, savage, horror. And He willingly walked right into it. Jesus willingly walked right into it.

No one could ever identify with the betrayal, denial, desertion, rejection, contempt, mocking and burning hatred Jesus experienced. No one. Ever.

No one will ever face this extent of heartless emotional brutality. No one.

No one has loved so perfectly, given so freely and sacrificially, served so selflessly, been rejected so cruelly.

And Jesus walked right into it.

Are you willing to take a beating for the glory of God? Few of us will face physical beatings or any physical persecution for that matter. But all of us will face tiring times, hurt, even rejection in following God. If God "opens your ears" and makes it clear to you that you will suffer for following Him and doing what is right, will you still follow?

May we be a people who will "walk right into it" and take a beating for the glory of God!

Precious Savior,
Thank you. Thank you for walking right into it. Thank you for enduring the brutality, physically and emotionally. I have nothing to give that could begin to adequately honor your sacrifice. But what I have to give, I give . . . my life. Help me . . . work in me . . . that I would be willing to walk right into it . . . no matter the pain . . . emotionally . . . or physically . . . I know you’re walking right beside me showing me the way to do it. Help me to learn how to take a beating. For the glory of God. Amen

Soli Deo Gloria




Tomorrow: The Secret to Future Victory (Isaiah 50:7)