2021 Daily Devotion - Day 400

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When I was a teacher, I often thought it was my job is to tell people things they did not know. However, that was not always the case. I often discovered as I taught new concepts and ideas, I learned from the interaction with my students. They were teaching the teacher. When students wrestled with an idea, it sparked new insights for the entire class, including me. Those were the times when real learning was taking place.

In our reading from Isaiah, the prophet speaks in verse 4 of God’s servants as ones who “listen as those who are taught.” In other words, these words underline that we don’t have all the answers — sometimes we simply need to be good listeners in order to be taught. This is good advice for hearing the Word of God in the Bible. And it also applies to our relationships and the importance of real listening, rather than constantly doling out our opinions and supposed good advice.

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.

Pray with me:
Lord Jesus, open our ears and our hearts so we may genuinely listen to You and Your Words of life. As we gain knowledge and wisdom, let us share the Good News of Your message with others as You have commanded us. In Your holy name. Amen.

*Revised from a Devotion from Luther Seminary

Pam Nelson
Sunday Adult Education Ministry Leader & Choir Member
Mount of Olives Church
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