…he says, ‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’” vs. 6
Isaiah 49:5-7
When the prophet uses the word “servant” in this section of Isaiah, he’s almost always referring to the people of Israel. They are God’s chosen ones, and together they are his servant. They had been set aside, not only as a nation, but as a light to the nations. Their mission was global! After Jesus’ death and resurrection, as early believers reflected on his life and mission, they believed that what had happened in him was the fulfillment of the prophet’s vision. Isaiah had been talking about Israel. They applied his words to Jesus, and so do we! Jesus was given not only to the Jews, but to the whole world. What happened in him was for all people! He was and is the light of the world! And now, we who call ourselves his servants can also see ourselves in Isaiah’s words. We do not exist in this time and place solely for our own benefit, we have been called and set aside by the Spirit to continue the mission. There are many who have not heard the good news of salvation, and just as God gave Israel and Jesus to be lights to the nations, it’s now our turn. We are the Servant of Isaiah’s vision!
Thought for the Day: How does it feel to be the Servant of God?
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