I gave my back to the smiters

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

What a wondrous depiction this chapter is of the sufferings of our Savior. From beginning to end, it speaks of all that He endured, from His rejected life to His ignominious death. But it also speaks of His obedience to the Father’s will, for He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. He was not rebellious, neither turned away back. He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. We see that through these things, Christ becomes our example: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. Christ never rendered evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing. He took it patiently. And we are called to follow His steps. He has set a perfect example! He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. See 1 Peter 2 and Isaiah 53. The Lord Jesus never once defended Himself, vindicated Himself, or sought to exonerate His actions; He simply “submitted Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.”

Dear friend, are you treated unfairly? Are you experiencing unfair ridicule or slander? Do you feel that you are receiving something that you do not deserve? Do you feel you are innocent, but deemed guilty? Rejoice! Forasmuch as we are partakes of Christ’s sufferings! Rejoice and be exceeding glad! For God has given you the divine privilege to enjoy the fellowship of His sufferings, and to be conformable unto His death. There is no greater privilege available to mankind. It is a great honor bestowed by Christ Himself. Why did the apostles so greatly rejoice? Because they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

Now, dear one, we must learn how to respond to others’ unkind treatment. We must give our back to the smiters, and to them that pluck off the hair. We must not hide our face from shame and spitting. This is the way of Christ. This is the heavenly way. Many do not understand. Many cannot fathom such a seemingly foolish life. But this is the life of our dear Savior, and we must be conformed to His image. We must take wrong. We must suffer ourselves to be defrauded. Is there ever a time to stand our ground against attacks? If so, the Lord will give us wisdom, and it must be done in the Spirit. But, for a general rule, the highest honor, the greatest privilege, the most noble attitude, is to take the attitude of our Lord, and give our back to the smiters.

“Oh Father, how we thank Thee for the example set for us by your precious Son. Help us, Lord, this day, to follow in His steps, who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. We cannot do this without your abiding presence and your comforting aid. Make us like Thee! Oh, to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer! May this be our constant longing and prayer. If we are hated, mistreated, or maligned, may our minds immediately fly to the scene of the cross, where our Lord was crucified unjustly, unfairly, and undeservedly. May we commit ourselves to our Creator, who will always judge righteously in the end. Let us leave it up to Him. And as for us, conform us, mold us, and make us into that wonderful, glorious, and perfect image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In His name alone we pray, Amen.”