Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION  
3 April 2026

“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”        
Isaiah 53:7            

In 2011, I undertook the challenging responsibility of organizing a large-scale convention aboard a cruise ship, with the hope of fostering reconciliation between International and Asian fellowships. With 700 participants from 11 nations gathered, I envisioned it as a historic moment of unity. Every detail was carefully planned, with the desire to bridge divides and cultivate a shared sense of purpose.

However, despite these intentions, the outcome fell short. Tensions began to surface, and at a critical moment, two senior Asian leaders expressed strong objections. They felt that International leadership had been imposed on the Asian fellowships without sufficient consensus. The situation escalated to the point where the International President was not welcomed and was, in fact, asked to leave the meeting.

What was meant to symbolize unity instead exposed deep fractures—resulting in misunderstanding, discord, and profound disappointment. It was a sobering and humbling reminder of how fragile and complex true reconciliation can be, especially when trust and mutual respect are lacking.

Reflecting on Isaiah 53:7, particularly on Good Friday, I find both comfort and instruction. The verse reveals the humility and submission of Christ in the face of suffering and injustice: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth… like a lamb led to the slaughter.” Jesus, though innocent, chose silence. He did not defend Himself or assert His rights. This was not weakness, but strength under control—a willing surrender to God’s redemptive plan. In the midst of rejection and pain, He remained anchored in obedience and trust.

This speaks directly to moments of conflict and misunderstanding in our own lives. When faced with criticism or rejection, our instinct is often to defend, justify, or retaliate. Yet Christ models a different way—the way of quiet trust in God. His silence was not passive; it was purposeful. He bore what we deserved so that we might receive grace. And beyond the suffering came resurrection—assurance that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted, even through apparent failure.

Isaiah 53:7 thus redefines true strength. It is not found in asserting control, but in surrendering to God. Especially in leadership and reconciliation, it calls us to walk in humility, patience, and grace—trusting that God can bring healing and unity even through brokenness.

“Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.”