Flint (Lent) - Friday, March 2
"Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint,
and I know I will not be put to shame."
Isaiah 50:7 (NIV)
People have used flint for thousands of years to make sharp arrowheads, spear points, knives, scrapers and other cutting implements, and we continue to use it today to start fires.
Native Americans discovered a rare variety of this stone at Flint Ridge, in central Ohio. The ancient pits are known for producing a variety of high quality, bright, multi-colored flint with a glossy texture. The early inhabitants of Ohio also used the beautiful stone from Flint Ridge for decoration and jewelry. This particular type of flint was highly diserable in trade. So much so, that Ohio flint has been found over 1,000 miles away!
When I visited this historic site, I was reminded of the many colors found on Native American regalia. I saw a rainbow in the stones which called to mind the rainbow over the throne of God and the different colors of stone mentioned in the book of Revelation (10:1, 21:19-20).
Most of all, these stones reminded me of Jesus. Luke writes, “When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up, He set His face to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51 ESV). Some Bible translations use the words, “He made up His mind” or “He was determined," but they all convey the same thought used by Isaiah “to set my face like flint.”
His love for us gave Jesus this flint-like mindset, this sharp cutting determination. His love was sparked by the fire in His heart to fulfill His purpose. He would not allow Himself to be distracted or dissuaded from receiving the death penalty we deserved. And Jesus knew there was no shame in dying for us because it was the right thing to do!
Those who trust in the work of Jesus for eternal salvation will not be put to shame either. Jesus, our Determined One, is now waiting for us in heaven, the place of great color. However, these colors are not just in the rainbow and stones. They are in the people from every nation and tribe (Rev. 7:9). Determine today to set your heart and mind on following Jesus, your Determined One.
Father, thank you for sending your only Son to die in my place. Jesus, thank you for not giving up. Holy Spirit, teach me how to be strong like Jesus with determination and strength. Amen.