God is Waiting - Will We Respond?

Isaiah 42:1-4

When Napoleon became Emperor of France in 1804, he ushered in the post-French Revolution era.  He wasn't "king" because, well, you know what the French did to their monarchy ('off with their heads!'), but he wanted the trappings of royalty.  Paintings of Napoleon at the height of his power show a man with a golden laurel crown, an ermine-lined robe and gold-embroidered slippers.  He ruled over an imperial household staff of 3,500, and each of his 400-some palaces had tableware designed for it exclusively.  Yes, it was good to be him......while it lasted. 

In contrast, look at the servant described here in Isaiah 42.  Instead of an ermine-lined robe, 3,500 staff, and 40 palaces, this servant will 'bring justice to the nations.....he will establish justice on earth.'  And he will do that not by brute force:  "he will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets"  (v. 2).  But he will prevail:  "in faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. (v. 4)"

Let's be honest:  the trappings of wealth, affluence, the royal court, celebrity - they all sound awfully good at times, don't they?  More than three thousand household staff to do my bidding?  Forty palaces to choose from?  How would that ever get old?  And yet, it didn't last.  Napoleon was exiled to a small island where he spent the last years of his life.  Alone. 

Palaces, expensive robes, thousands of aides to do your bidding - these things are attractive, but they are fleeting.  God's servant, in whom he delights, has different goals:  bringing justice to people who are bruised, but not broken, whose wick is smoldering but not snuffed out (v. 3).

 These verses are among 4 "Servant Songs" in the book of Isaiah.  The King's servants in Isaiah's time were highly regarded.  But Isaiah turns power on its head.  Justice, patience - that is what God is looking for.  And God's justice will last.  "Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream! (Amos 5:24)" 

Lord, I don't deserve your patience, and yet, you wait for me - you won't break my bruised reed, and you won't snuff out my smoldering wick.  Help me, Lord, to become the servant who delights in bringing justice to the nations, beginning with my family, my neighbors, and my friends.  Amen.