A Lenten Lesson: A Face Life Flint
A Lenten reflection on Isaiah 50:7 and how Jesus set His face like flint as He walked toward the cross.
While traveling in the Negev in southern Israel, our teacher took us on what she called a “wee little walk.” Because we had been with her for over two weeks, our small group knew exactly what that meant. Something hot, rocky, long, and a little treacherous. But we also knew it would reveal sights we had never seen before. And somehow, as we struggled along, God would reveal a deeper understanding of His Word.
A Wee Little Walk
The Negev in late June and July can be a dangerous place. We carried plenty of water and gathered up every bit of inner resolve we could find. We hiked through the bed of a tall crevasse with rock walls rising on either side. The path was narrow, worn by hikers before us, scattered with large rocks and uneven ground.
It was not an easy walk. But it was unforgettable.
The Rocks Of The Negev
The Negev became a classroom where I learned more about God and His Word than I expected. I often wonder what those towering rock walls have heard over the years as teachers opened Scripture in that rugged place.
The formations were stark, yet breathtaking. Long bands of sedimentary rock layered one upon another, shaped over time by movement beneath the earth. Beautiful and daunting at the same time.
One layer caught my attention. Unlike the lighter stone surrounding it, this band had dark lines running horizontally through it, almost as if someone had brushed black streaks across the face of the rock.
It was there in the Negev that I learned a powerful truth about Jesus as He…
“RESOLUTELY SET HIS FACE TO GO TO JERUSALEM”. Luke 9:51
Jesus And His Ministry
Jesus’ three and a half year ministry was drawing to a close. He knew His time had come, a phrase used often in the book of John to describe the moment He would die on a rugged wooden cross for our sins.
Jesus understood why He had come to earth. His primary mission was not teaching. Not healing. Not gathering followers. The reason Jesus came was to die. To die a violent and unjust death, exactly as prophesied in the Old Testament. He would be the sacrifice for the sins of mankind.
He chose to die in my place and your place, rescuing us from eternity separated from God.
So what does that have to do with rocks in the Negev?
As Jesus finished His ministry in Galilee, He knew His destiny was Jerusalem.
“AND IT CAME ABOUT IN WHEN THE DAYS WERE APPROACHING FOR HIS ASCENSION (to Jerusalem), THAT HE RESOLUTELY SET HIS FACE TO GO TO JERUSALEM.” Luke 9:51
Jesus was under no compulsion to go. This was His choice.
A Face Like Flint
Isaiah 50:7 prophesies the resolute heart of Jesus as He faced the cross and the glory set before Him.
FOR THE LORD GOD HELPS ME, THEREFORE, I AM NOT DISGRACED; THEREFORE, I HAVE SET MY FACE LIKE FLINT, AND I KNOW THAT I SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED.
Flint. Those dark lines running through the bone colored rock of the Negev. The very black streaks I saw with my own eyes.
Flint, when struck by steel, produces sparks. It is harder than the surrounding rock. Unyielding.
Jesus set His face like flint. He was determined and unwavering as He walked toward Jerusalem to fulfill His mission. The cross. The suffering. And then the glory.
During Lent, I often think about those layers of flint pressed into the rock walls of the Negev. And I think about my resolute Savior. A Savior who willingly walked toward the cross for me.
Lent gives space to reflect on that kind of determination on our behalf. It asks a quiet question: where is my face set?
And I pray… Lord, please help me set my face like flint towards my Savior!
A Lenten Scripture
Here’s a verse to think about this week…
FOR THE LORD GOD HELPS ME, THEREFORE, I AM NOT DISGRACED; THEREFORE, I HAVE SET MY FACE LIKE FLINT, AND I KNOW THAT I SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED. Isaiah 50:7
MORE SUNDAY POSTS
These posts will help you understand the character and love of Jesus.
Happy Sunday, Friends
How blessed we are to have this living hope!
HAPPY EASTER everyone!
Happy Easter to you!
And to you too!
He is risen, is alive, and coming again!!–it could be today!! Thank you for the thoughts.
How blessed we are that Jesus loved us so much, that he gave his life for us and our sins!
Thank you Yvonne, for taking us on your journey to Israel and for sharing the love of our Savior!
What a privilege it must have been to witness the rock formations of Negev. I feel as though I were there with you. Thank you Yvonne and have a great sunday.
Hallelujah He is risen, what a Savior!
Thank you for sharing your journey to the Holy Land with us. I love how you take a verse from the Bible and put it into perspective on how it applies to us today. Thank you!
I have so enjoyed you sharing your time in Israel. Through your journey you have given life to Gods word! Thank you!
Thank you for using your platform to reach and teach so many of the love and the sacrifice Jesus
made for us!
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story of Jesus’ love for us! This is the same scripture, Luke 9:51, that our pastor preached from this morning! I am going to share your story with him!
How blessed we are that Jesus died for our sins and gave us such eternal hope!
Thanks again!
Yvonne, thank you for this beautiful story about your time in Israel and a lesson from the Bible.
So very thankful you have a teaching spirit! Even though we do not live close, I , too, am benefitting from your gift. Thank you, and if I could ask you, please, keep teaching me!
In eagerness I read these posts on Israel. My husband’s boss left for a Study there with a group led by the pastor of their church. To see the flint in the rock makes this verse more vivid. Thank you for turning me to look to Jesus.
Wonderful post!
Really enjoyed your post!!
Your sweet messages about our Savior are so comforting as we make our way through the Lenten season. Thank you for sharing your journey through Israel with us.
Oh, how he loves us! He is coming again and every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that He is Lord. Such beautiful imagery of Jesus coming again through the clouds on a white horse for all who believe! Happy Easter to all!!
Yvonne, I enjoy your posts so much, you have a gift for teaching. When you went to Israel, did you go on a tour? How did you plan your trip? This is on my bucket list and I’d love to hear the details on how the trip came about for you and the trip itself. Planning details, etc! Thank you!
Hi Michelle, My trip to Israel was to study the Jewish roots of the Christian Faith. We toured and had in-depth study of Jewish culture, ancient Jewish culture, the language of Hebrew and the life and culture around Jesus all using the Bible as it’s primary source. We had two FABULOUS guides that were Messianic Jews and they opened my eyes up to so much I would have never learned if I had not gone on this trip. I studied through Alexander College in old city Jerusalem. My sister-in-law’s church sponsored this trip and 34 people were in our group. I think St Peter’s Way Travel took us to Israel but we did not partake in their program. I hope this helps a little.
I was so happy to find this part of your site. God Bless you
The “wee little walk” was a cute way to describe a trek. Liked your descriptions of the views you saw. Spiritual insights from your journey are priceless. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I have learned decorating ideas as well as diy projects ideas. Your pictures are very enlightening and artistic. I look forward to your posts.
Thanks for being “a voice in the wilderness” that’s cheerful in our weird world.
So thoroughly enjoyed you short message and happy for to have had that experience. It help me to understand the meaning behind what my appear to be an ordinary rock but as we know there is nothing ordinary of the man Jesus our Lord and Christ. May the Lord continue to use you.
Didn’t know this about flint.
Now I get it.
Thank you
I KNOW! It’s amazing when you understand the time and culture and surroundings the Bible was written in. What a blessing!
Hello Yvonne,
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your Christian-focused emails. You are a very talented writer and communicator, and I look forward to receiving every morsel of wisdom from you. In a world that is becoming increasingly anti-Christ, you carry the message boldly. Thank you for using your platform to reach as far into this lost world as you do.
Most sincerely,
LeAnn Austin
I appreciate these emails so much too……”in a world that is becoming increasingly anti-Christ”.
Thank you! Stay faithful Judy. God will prevail.
How blessed we are that Christ give his life for us. That was a great lesson also about flint. Thanks and Happy Easter to you, your family, and all your readers. Anne from NC.
Yes, we are blessed!
As I read a face like Flint I was sure you were talking to me. I have been bedridden for almost 3 months due to a painful infection. Everyday I pray that the pain will end and I will be back to “normal”. Everyday I realize what the Son of God went through for us. I will read this over and over again. Thank you
Yvonne- thank you for this wonderful devotional. What a powerful image!
Diane
So beautifully written and shared. Thank you
Thank you Kathy. God bless you.
I love your posts that tell of your time in Israel.
Yvonne, I am unable and to go to church today but I have worshiped after reading your wonderful message. Yes, my Jesus did come to die and I praise God because I know He provided my only chance for eternity with Him. Cathy
Amen! I’m so happy you could worship the Lord through today’s Sunday Scripture post.
Such timing. My Bible study group is currently reading John. We have read chapters 1-3. We each have to give verse from those chapters that resonates with us.
John 2:4b says ‘My hour has not yet come’. That will be my verse. Thank you.
When I first studied the book of John I as so impressed by Jesus’ totally devotion to His Father’s timing.
Im following a self-pace Lenten retreat. She spoke of many ways God speaks to us. One way was through other people. I think God spoke to me through your blog/you. ’
I’m living with stage 4 breast cancer but
‘My hour has not yet come’
Thank you for being a messenger.
God bless you! Your “sermon” today touched me deeply. When walking I will remember that verse. The world is so frightening right now. Must trust!!
Yes, Melanie! We have an eternal home waiting for us.
Thank you Yvonne for the visual reminder of what it looks like to walk with unwavering a steadfastness until we reach our destination God has for us.
Beautifully expressed. Thank you for sharing! God bless you and yours.