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Thick skin, open heart

In his commentary on 1 Corinthians, David Prior speaks of prophets as having thick skin and open hearts.  I think that's a good definition.  And quite apt given our recent discussions on personality etc.

Think of Jesus, the Servant:

4 The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue,
       to know the word that sustains the weary.
       He wakens me morning by morning,
       wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

 5 The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears,
       and I have not been rebellious;
       I have not drawn back.

 6 I offered my back to those who beat me,
       my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
       I did not hide my face
       from mocking and spitting.

 7 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.

 8 He who vindicates me is near.
       Who then will bring charges against me?
       Let us face each other!
       Who is my accuser?
       Let him confront me!

 9 It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me.
       Who is he that will condemn me?
       They will all wear out like a garment;
       the moths will eat them up.

The Father gives Him words of comfort for the sheep and He is sensitive both to the Father's help and the people's need.  But He is also 'like flint' for the opposition that will come.

Often we simply have thin skin and mistake that for kindness.  Or we have a hard heart and mistake that for bold defence of the truth.  But no, Jesus shows the way - Thick skin, open heart.

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0 thoughts on “Thick skin, open heart

  1. Rich Owen

    Helpful. Thanks.

    This gets me thinking about sensitivity... or rather over-sensitivity. I think all personalities tend to be sensitive to conflict and that works itself out differently with different people and that outworking is then percieved differently by different people. It is all very complicated :)

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