Isaiah 42:1-9

The Servant of the Lord

1. “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
   my chosen one in whom I delight;
   I will put my Spirit on him,
   and he will bring justice to the nations.
2. He will not shout or cry out,
   or raise his voice in the streets.
3. A bruised reed he will not break,
   and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
   In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4. he will not falter or be discouraged
   till he establishes justice on earth.
   In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”
   
5. This is what God the Lord says—
   the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
   who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
   who gives breath to its people,
   and life to those who walk on it:
6. “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
   I will take hold of your hand.
   I will keep you and will make you
   to be a covenant for the people
   and a light for the Gentiles,
7. to open eyes that are blind,
   to free captives from prison
   and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
   
8. “I am the Lord; that is my name!
   I will not yield my glory to another
   or my praise to idols.
9. See, the former things have taken place,
   and new things I declare;
   before they spring into being
   I announce them to you.”
   

Pondering Point

This is not exactly a story but more of a one-sided conversation from God to His people through Isaiah the prophet. It includes a great deal of picture language capturing a future relationship between Jesus and us, His people.
In it you will find references describing the Father, Jesus (who is the servant) and the Holy Spirit. Where are you and the rest of God's people in this story? You are obviously part of the nations (v.1). Are you a bruised reed or smoldering wick (v.3)? Are you in search of justice or hope (v.4)? Are you in some way blind, captive or in need of release (v.7)?

We often think of God making covenants with His people, but in this section of the bible, God the Father is also making a covenant with God the Son about God’s people – about you.

Prayer for the Day

Father God, it makes me smile to think of You delighting in Jesus Your Chosen One. I smile as well that Your Chosen One enlightens me (and all people who are willing to listen). Continue to enlighten me and allow me to be a reflective light into this world for the benefit of others. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.