Ear to Mouth

“The Lord God has given me
    the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word
    him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens;
    he awakens my ear
    to hear as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear,
    and I was not rebellious;
    I turned not backward.” Isaiah 50:4-5

The prophet had been inspired to foretell many a judgment, difficult messages that were a mysterious display of God’s mercy to His own. He also spoke rich encouragement to remind God’s people their Lord was with them to save, redeem, and strengthen, and would be ever faithful to His servants. Isaiah’s poetic mention of the Lord’s voice to him, a loving, consistent nudge to awaken and listen for His life-giving, mission-affirming voice, is a soft reminder to all who read his words: The Lord speaks through His Word to teach, sustain, nudge, guide, and inspire.

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
    which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
    and its circuit to the end of them,
    and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether…
By them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:1-9,11

Early pasty clouds are lit from below by the approaching herald of the day. The transformation from monochrome grey to emblazoned pink announce the sun’s power to alter and invigorate everything. Such an anointing from the Son of Righteousness illustrates how His presence awakens us to behold HIs glory, to listen as those taught, to receive what He has prescribed for this moment, this day. What the Lord speaks by heavens or Word is to be savored and shared. (Malachi 4:2)

When we rise in the morning, is it at the alarm to hit the ground running, or have we carved out time to allow God’s voice to speak? Are we frenetic and distracted, or eagerly tuned in to listen?

What responsibilities, or charges in ministry, has He entrusted to us that beg our full attention and need for divine filling? Before we teach, talk, strategize, or negotiate, how have we learned His voice? What biblical understanding and spiritual guidance directs us? Knowing our every care and assignment, the Lord faithfully instructs and reveals His glorious might so we can do His bidding. Keep alert!

Father, awaken all of me each day to receive from You so I can serve You and Yours with excellence, zeal, and joy.