Key Scripture:
Isaiah 42:1
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Devotional Reading: Psalm 98
Background Scripture: Isaiah 42
Key Verse: Isaiah 42:1
Introduction
Our lesson provides who “A Just Servant” exemplifies. The meat (if you will), of our lesson comes from the book of Isaiah. Isaiah was the son of Amoz, he was an Old Testament prophet who predicted the coming Messiah. His primary work was preaching judgment, let’s begin our journey.
I. Presentation (Isaiah 42:1-4)
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth. It is this scripture that Isaiah establishes the servant to be Jesus. He speaks of God’s delight and support of this servant. It brings to mind when Jesus was baptized – “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17
I have put my spirit upon him – simply put, the servant is chosen and has a special assignment to fulfill. He is one (just servant) appointed for such a task.
He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles – In addition to the judgment, he also brings salvation to others as well as Israel. God’s ultimate plan is to include not one particular group but all people.
He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street – some need to be loud (shout, make his presence known) but the servant is quiet, he is not boastful or arrogant, although he has the credentials; rather, he doesn’t try to bring attention his way. Sometimes, silence is not only golden but speaks volumes without a word being said.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench - Instead of being cruel and mighty, exerting his power, he will do the opposite (show gentleness in supporting the weak and mending the broken, as a lamb.
He shall bring forth judgment unto truth – Jesus himself will be an example, or rather a display of truth, the “real” truth.
He shall not fail nor be discouraged – we are often discouraged be it by others, circumstances, etc. but the just servant (Jesus) will show true faithfulness regardless of people or circumstances, in spite of, he will remain obedient to God’s mission. That’s something to think about saints.
Till he have set judgment in the earth – We have all heard, “Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness.” Throughout Isaiah’s prophecy, he speaks of the coming Messiah being gentle but on the other hand, by no means does that mean he is weak. Judgment will take place.
And the isles shall wait for his law – In other words, places far away await the law of the servant, the world waits and depends on the servant’s law for instruction.
II. Commission (Isaiah 42:5-9)
Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein – God is the alpha and omega, He created the heavens and the earth, He sits high and looks low, we and everything that dwells within are His (creation). He gives life, He is the true King and ruler of the world.
I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee – God has called the just servant for His purpose and of His own nature. The servant will do God’s work without worry because God will hold his hand tightly.
And give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles – The covenant will also be extended to the Gentiles because some (Israel) has already received God’s revelation. This covenant serves to include those who have not (all nations).
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house – That light is freedom from darkness and sight from blindness (physical and spiritual) lockdown. Deliverance from the bondage of sin and ignorance (not knowing). It extends to both the Jew and the Gentile, to the whole world this is God’s plan for salvation for all people/nations.
I am the Lord; that is my name – If you don’t know, better ask somebody, just to confirm, let it be no doubt or confusion just who is behind this great plan for salvation for all – the LORD!!!
Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them – the Messiah is not what the people are expecting, He is past, present and future of the world. From Old Testament time to present day and the main ingredient of His coming is not to be served but to serve.
Conclusion
His mission is to minister and give His life as a ransom for many, that through Him, we may have salvation, that we do not get what we so righteously deserve.Only God could give such a beautiful gift to us, A Just Servant (Jesus)!!
Be Blessed,
Sis. Mary Turner
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