Today’s reading: Isaiah 42:1-7
The servant of the Lord is one who is filled with God’s Spirit in order to be an instrument of God’s justice. In this he is following in the footsteps of Jesus the Lord. “Upon him I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations.” (v.1b). Justice is giving to the other person what is his due. There is so much injustice in the world, and God’s servant works to overturn such injustice.
The servant of the Lord knows his calling. It is God Himself who commissions him. “I, the Lord, have called you for justice” (v.6a). His task is to help “open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.” (v.7). He looks to the spiritually and materially poor, to those who are not living in God’s light, who suffer under the dominion of the enemy, who might be blind to God’s truth.
In this task the servant of the Lord is faithful. “He will faithfully bring forth justice.” (v.3b). He goes about his task with determination. He endures and perseveres, despite trials and difficulties. “He will not grow dim or be bruised until he establishes justice on the earth” (v.4a).
The true servant who works for justice will merit God’s commendation. “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased.” (v.1a).
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