LEARNER, FOLLOWER, AND DISCIPLER

Isaiah 50:4

The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.

Isaiah 50:4, NRSV

We live in a world where communication has advanced, but the human quality of this communication is deteriorating. It is against that backdrop that we, as disciples of the Lord, must spread His love around us.

To successfully carry out this mission, I invite you to meditate on Isaiah 50:4, which presents the secret of the Lord's servant: "The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught." Thus, the servant of the Lord who communicates is known for using language for consolation, encouragement, recovery, and the communication of grace as affirmed by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:29: "Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear" (NRSV).

The tongue of a discipler is a gift from God, a gift that grows through developing intimacy with Him and communicating His wonders. Intimacy with the Master is the secret of the servant of the Lord, it’s achieved through morning listening, a fundamental characteristic of the Lord's disciple, who never begins a day without spending time at the feet of the Lord. Each morning, the disciple wants to hear the voice of the Lord, who indicates which road to follow, This listening will develop the follower into a good disciple who is always ready to learn from the Master.

It is a time for the servant of the Lord as He communicates that His wonders can be compared to a river where water is flowing, rather than a backwater where it is stored. This means that what the disciple has received from the Lord is shared with others and that the disciple will receive more. The disciple is characterized by the desire for and the practice of communicating joy, peace, tranquility, love, comfort, and communicating life around us. Indeed, the Lord is always ready to teach His disciple who finds time to meet Him.

To be a blessing to those who are weary, you must first “open your ears" to God's gentle voice. He will both encourage and instruct you. He will reveal His love, unveil His truth, and give knowledge for yourself and others. But it is imperative that we listen!!!

Father, thank You for this day and the breath of life found in Your Word. Lord, help us to listen this morning, and every morning give us to You, as You guide our path. Lord, we do not want the form of religion, but the heart, life, and attitude of You. Lord, we need Your deep motivation to stir our lives. Lord, please eradicate our warped images and renew our understanding of Your zeal to obey, care for the lost, desire to fellowship with God, and be earnest in hearing from God. Lord, use us to be a learner, follower, and reproducer of You to those who need to be discipled.

Father, we love You. Amen.