Day 218

Servant of the Lord

Read: Isaiah 42-43

Beginning in chapter 42, the focus is on the servant of the Lord. The New Testament sees this servant as our Lord Jesus Christ. In Matthew 12:17-21, the actions of Jesus are described: “this was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah” (ESV), and Isaiah 41:1-4 is quoted by Simeon and twice by the apostle Paul. Jesus Christ is the great Servant of God who acts to deliver God’s people.

But interestingly, the servant concept is also referred to Israel, who failed so miserably in that role that the prophet said, “Who is as blind as my dedicated one, or blind as the servant of the Lord?” (42:19). In spite of God’s gracious dealings with Israel, “yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel . . . You have burdened me with your sins” (43:22, 24).

Yet now God has chosen to act graciously to his servants who have failed him. “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins” (43:25 ESV).

Israel was to be God’s faithful servant, a witness to the nations of his greatness. But she had failed again and again. Yet from within Israel, God brought forth his Son Jesus Christ to be the Savior. Now we Christians are called to be the faithful servants of the Lord.

PRAYER
Father, we praise you for your grace shown so wonderfully in your Son Jesus Christ. In his name. Amen.