In this new Year

Isaiah 50 gives us a rare glimpse into the heart of Jesus before his incarnation. He speaks of an “instructed tongue”—a word able to sustain the weary. That gift did not come once, but daily: “He wakens me morning by morning.” The strength of Jesus’ ministry flowed from humble attentiveness to the Father and complete availability to his word and will. Because his Father helped him, Jesus set his face like flint and was not put to shame. The same God equips us today. As we come to him in surrender, we are given words, through the Bible, and presence, by God’s Spirit, to be refreshed and, wonderfully, to refresh others. In this new year, let this be our story.