03/30/2026
Monday, March 30, 2026
Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-9a
The LORD God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him that is weary. Morning by morning he wakens, he wakens my ear, and I was not rebellious, I turned not backward. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
For the LORD God helps me; therefore I have not been confounded. Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame, for he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. Behold, the LORD God helps me; who will declare me guilty? (Is. 50:4-9a)
We live in a time of swift and scathing public condemnation of any who dare to transgress the norms of the in-group of the moment. Judgment is quick and unsparing, and frequently falls before there is any time, or any serious attempt, to ascertain what did or didn’t happen, and who, if anyone, is to blame. Although the means are different, this rush to judgment is not new. Today’s passage describes the scorn and humiliation that are visited upon the servant of God, whose one offense is that he has heard and obeyed God rather than the pronouncements of the mighty or the howling of the crowd.
But where does one find the resources to know and follow God’s own way amid the loud certainties of popular opinion and the harsh proclamations of the self-appointed prophets of the hour? The Servant’s answer is simple and humble: I have listened to the teaching God offers, and followed where it led, even into public shaming and abuse. But how is this to be borne? In the confidence that God’s judgment alone is true, and that those who seek to walk in his way will find the only vindication that matters, or lasts. So much of our daily experience – our confidence, our peace, our sense of belonging - depends on who we listen to, and where we look for affirmation. “Thou will keep in perfect peace the one whose eyes are fixed on Thee.” Learning where to fix our gaze is everything.
Prayer: LORD, give us open ears and hearing hearts, so that we can know and follow your voice no matter how loud the world’s babble, and keep our eyes on You. AMEN
Sondra Wheeler
Welcome to Glenmont UMC in the heart of the Glenmont Community. We are conveniently located one block north of the Glenmont Metro station. For all ages, we have exciting worship, welcoming fellowship, opportunities to learn through Bible Study and prayer. You are welcome at Glenmont.
