Palm Sunday: Old Testament, Isaiah 50:4-9a                                    

Isaiah 50:4-9a

How close is the Lord to us? How able is He to help? In our Old Testament reading this week, in preparation for Jesus’ grand entry into Jerusalem, Isaiah shows us God asking that of Himself: “Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem?” That actually precedes our reading by a verse, but it sets the table. God is asking His own people if they see Him as a true savior and rescuer. And then …

In verse 4 Isaiah points to the one we recognize as the Father’s Suffering Servant in just a few short chapters (think Isaiah 53). Jesus will exemplify for us just how near our Savior-Father is to us, and just how very able He is to save. One cannot miss the portrait being painted of the “Calvary Man” and His mission to pay our price. Just take heed: “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” (50:6). The days before the Savior as He enters His city on Sunday loom large and frightening to us. And there’s no doubt that in His humanity He was fearful, too. But love, divine and impeccable love drove Him forward.

His final hope is ours: “Behold, the Lord GOD helps me;

Who will declare me guilty?” His hope is ours. His words have become our refrain. He is near to help. God be praised!