The Servant of the Lord

This passage of Isaiah is a famous prophecy about the coming of Jesus. Also, like yesterday’s reading, it is a prophetic contrast. The faithful servant of the Lord described here is set in contrast with God’s unfaithful servant – Israel. Isaiah is calling out the sin of Israel, while ultimately pointing them to hope in God. This contrast is true for us too – we need to be regularly reminded that while we are unfaithful to God, He is always and forever faithful to us.

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REFLECTION

An Astonishing Promise About the Lord’s Servant

by Dan Kidd

In today’s passage, we encounter a beautiful sermon-song from the prophet Isaiah, announcing the nature of the upcoming Day of the Lord. Specifically, this is a sermon about the role the “servant” of the Lord will play a part in the ultimate redemption of God’s people. Scholarship is unsettled on who this servant was understood to be at the time the prophesy was initially proclaimed. Some believe Israel would have identified themselves to collectively be this servant (Isa 49:3).  Others suggest Israel heard these as early rumblings of a new Moses or David-like figure (Isa 48:21; 49:7). In time, it became abundantly clear to the people closest to Jesus that this omen was ultimately fulfilled in his life, death, and resurrection.

There are several astonishing elements within this hope-filled sermon-song. Addressed to a people deep in the throes of profound social isolation, dramatic disruption—voiceless and helpless—this prophecy dares to pronounce something practically unbelievable: Not only has Yahweh remained with his people in their exile, but he is, and will be known to be, the Lord over every nation. Redemption is the future of God’s people. Salvation is the future of God’s people. And look! This redemption and salvation will be the mission and accomplishment of a human servant; a Spirit-filled, gentle, shepherding, unfailing, courageous, sight-giving, prisoner-liberating, servant who will bring the whole world into shalom. That kind of news, proclaimed at a time of such bitter pain and loss, must have seemed unbelievable. 

That’s how I read it. As someone feeling the isolation of responsibly limited social interaction. As someone actively grieving and resenting the disruptive, divisive, war-like spirit of our national election today. As someone who is a citizen of the country with the highest prison population in the world; someone who mourns the shadowy chains of addiction, exploitation, and inhumanity; someone who struggles to see how we ever actually find shalom in this mess. I read this sermon-song and try to let it speak over the volume of my cynicism. 

Do I believe that this prophecy was true, is true, and will be true? I do. But I pray that the Lord would help me believe in my unbelief. And that the Holy Spirit would show me the evidence of how Jesus has changed the world, is regenerating us, and that I would see the glimpses of heaven in our Creator’s world. I need to hear these words today.

How does this passage strike you? Are you encouraged by Isaiah’s words? Do you find them at all difficult to believe? In what ways do you see this prophecy already realized, and in what ways are you most eager to see it come true?

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER – TUESDAY

UNITY: God of peace, we pray for de-polarized, non-defensive pursuit of truth, unity, and equality. We pray for well engaged minds. Set us free from the competing narratives of our culture wars that funnel us into opposing camps and make of us a house divided. Kindle in us a desire for your truth that is larger than our desire to have been right.