What does it mean to "sustain the weary with a word"? Scriptural Context “The Lord GOD has given Me a well-instructed tongue, to know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple” (Isaiah 50:4). Defining “Sustain” • The Hebrew verb translated “sustain” means to uphold, refresh, fortify, and cause to stand. • A “word” that sustains does more than sympathize; it supports the whole person—mind, will, and emotions—so that the weary believer can keep moving forward. Who Are “the Weary”? • Those beaten down by oppression, illness, persecution, or personal failure (Psalm 31:10). • Saints drained by daily burdens and spiritual battles (Galatians 6:9). • Anyone faint under conviction of sin, needing the gospel’s comfort (Matthew 11:28-30). The Power of a Word • God created by His word (Genesis 1); His spoken truth carries life-giving force. • A timely word revives a downcast heart: “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25). • Spoken Scripture never returns void; it accomplishes what God pleases (Isaiah 55:10-11). How Christ Models This Ministry • In Isaiah 50 Messiah is the faithful Servant whose daily communion with the Father equips Him to speak life. • Jesus sustains the weary woman at the well with truth and grace (John 4:14). • He upholds Peter after failure: “Feed My sheep” (John 21:15-17). • His words calm storms—both literal and internal (Mark 4:39-40). How Believers Participate Today • Immerse in Scripture each morning as the Servant did, allowing God to “awaken” the ear. • Speak promises that match specific struggles—healing passages for the sick, forgiveness passages for the guilty, endurance passages for the persecuted. • Combine truth with tenderness: tone and timing matter. • Keep words brief yet substantial; weary souls can absorb only so much at once. • Trust the Spirit to apply the word, not human persuasion. Related Scriptures to Consider • Proverbs 15:23—“A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!” • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4—God comforts us so we can comfort others. • Hebrews 12:12-13—Strengthen weak hands and feeble knees. • 1 Thessalonians 5:14—Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak. |
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