Opposite of Despised

“He was despised and forsaken of men.  A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.” Isaiah 53:3-4

“But I am a worm, and not a man, a reproach of men, and despised by the people.  All who see Me sneer at Me; They separate with the lip, they wag the head.” Psalm 22:6-7

“There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.  He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.  He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.” John 1:9-11

The word ‘despised’ in Hebrew is ‘bazah.’ It feels like such a heavy word.  We sort of know what it means, but it means worse than we imagine.  It was like saying someone was unclean, speaking of a leper.  They were to be scorned.  They were contemptible.  They were ‘disesteemed’.  Someone despised was everything that is opposite of what we know of Jesus.  Jesus, who was obedient, compassionate, loving and kind. 

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.  Darlene

PS:  Please send me any updates for the prayer list.    

PPS:  Find my statement of faith by clicking or cut and paste this link into your Web browser:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online.  Do a Google Search for “WeakDay Devotion.”  (Also, there is a “Google Blogger” App you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?

·        Barbara – had a PET scan last week as they complete a thorough diagnostic battery of test.  She now awaits the results.  Thank you and thank you for praying for Tim who supports her daily.

·        USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in an unexpected and uniting way during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest on You alone.

·        Edna – no updates on how the wife of the staff evangelist (Philippines Ambassadors for Christ is feeling now.  (see below ‘full-time service’).  They need your prayers for the restoration of her health, the wisdom of the doctors and that the Lord provides for their growing financial needs.

·        Sergio – lost his job and now looking again.  He was recently diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes.  Was living with his brother, but has been asked to move out, leaving him homeless.  

·        Claudio – Has had a disappointing setback and needs prayers for encouragement in his battle with liver cancer.  Pray for his health carers to be compassionate and wise and for Elea, his wife, that she has the extra strength and hope to hold his hand through this.

·        Sue Furbee and husband, Sam – no updates.  Please keep praying for her recovery and for Sam’s care and devotion.  For more information and to contribute to the high costs of the procedures visit their GoFundMe page:  https://www.gofundme.com/sue-furbee

·        Toron – finishing his high school studies and needing strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.