Pastor's Corner
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IN DEEP COMMUNION

To Jesus, prayer was not merely speaking to the Father. Prayer was deep communion, where Jesus listened as much as He spoke to His Father.

WORD AFTER WORD FROM THE FATHER

Isaiah 49 gives us tremendous insight. The Father gave word after encouraging word to the Son.

“And He said to Me,
‘You are My servant…’” Isaiah 49:3

“And now the LORD says,
‘Who formed Me from the womb to be His servant’” Isaiah 49:5

“Thus says the LORD…
He has chosen You…” Isaiah 49:7

REASONS FOR GIVING WORDS OF ASSURANCE

These assuring words were given to the Messiah-Servant when in prayer He said,

“I have laboured in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain” Isaiah 49:4

1. Discouragement felt

Were there moments of discouragement for Jesus? It is not a sin to feel discouraged. There must have been moments when discouragement was felt. In swift response the Father gave to Jesus strong and encouraging words.

2. Renewal needed

No matter how strong a person may be, there would be times when renewal is needed. There are many aspects of renewal. We may highlight the following:-

a) Renewal of trust

b) Renewal of strength

c) Renewal of the soul

d) Renewal of commitment

THE CHALLENGE FOR US TO FIND ENCOURAGEMENT IN PRAYER

The Lord Jesus has given to us a tremendous example of how we may find wonderful encouragement in and through prayer. No one is so strong that he does not need a word or two of encouragement. Let us find encouragement in the place of prayer.