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by Sandy Shaw
Up to this point in the life of Jesus, leading up to him being baptised by John in the Jordan River, it had been a time of growth and preparation - now life would never again be the same. Jesus was empowered – Jesus was anointed.
In the opening verse of Isiah Chapter 42we are told that one day Jesus will bring justice to the nations.
No-one else can bring justice to the nations - we are very aware of that just now.
Isaiah sees this coming of the servant of God as someone who will not cry out or raise His voice in the streets. This is a picture of meekness - his humble obedience.
What it means and implies is - Jesus would not advertise himself in the streets - he would not be like a showman raising his voice to advertise his cause.
There would be no political demonstrations or marches - no crowds chanting slogans - that would not be Jesus’ way.
That doesn't mean that Jesus doesn't say things in a loud voice in the open air for all to hear. There was that day in Jerusalem when He saw the people so thirsty for God and the leaders were unable to satisfy them - and with a loud voice He said - If any man is thirsty let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me as the Scripture has said, streams of living water shall flow from within. That is so needed today – even in ‘churches’.
Jesus speaks with a loud clear voice - but so that others can be fortified and strengthened and watered and refreshed - never for his own cause or to maintain his own rights. He allowed men to arrest him and crucify him - committing everything to God His Heavenly Father.
Isaiah sees that Jesus will be gentle when it is necessary to be gentle – not weak!
Remember this is being said to people who have been severely and sorely punished for their sins - because they would not listen - they would not repent - they would not pay attention to the prophets God sent them.
But when people do return to God and humbly repent - He is lovingly gentle and graciously merciful.
When a person comes to Him who is bruised - He will not break that person. There are many bruised people around – we do not need to look far for them – we meet them every day. They are fragile – almost broken.
When faith is weak and almost on the point of disappearing, Jesus the servant will not snuff out the little bit of flickering that remains - he will fan it into a flame.
The lamp has almost gone out – not out – but almost. Jesus can re-light the flame that has almost gone out.
In verse 4 there is this tremendous assurance that the work of this Servant will never fail. Jesus will not falter. Even when crucified and lying in that tomb Jesus was still right in the very centre of the Will of His Father.
Jesus will never be discouraged - even when people are betraying him and denying him three times in one night - Jesus would go through with all that His Father had sent Him to do.
And this work of God will continue until justice is established - and we are called to co-operate with God in this massive task.
One day that will happen - don't doubt that. Jesus will do it.
God shows Isaiah, that He had called Israel to be a light to the Gentiles, but Israel had failed God - and now God is going to come and do something new - and He is going to have come Himself and do it.
The nation of Israel should have served God in certain positive ways - but they were not able to - so when this Servant comes, he will do these things - and Jesus did.
He is going to open the eyes of the blind - free captives from prison - and release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
Jesus Christ came and took these words of Isaiah and did exactly that. The anointed One brings so much and can do so much.
God was going to do something completely new - but before He did it He announced it to His People.
Isaiah says - They will be singing to the Lord a new song - they be praising God for His Words and His Works - they will be rejoicing at what He is saying and what He is doing.
Jesus Christ, the Messiah, has come, and one day he is coming back. Take a good look at HIM! Serve him and praise him and, like the wise men, worship him. Never be ashamed of being a servant of the servant king, Jesus Christ.
“Lord our God – our heavenly Father – thank You for sending Jesus – who became the servant king – who came to rescue mankind from sinking in the mire of sin – and still men prefer sin to Jesus the saviour. Have mercy upon us. As many go around thinking that all is well, have mercy upon us – man’s lights can never illumine the darkness which many are experiencing. Come and soothe the bruised and battered and sore – hear our prayer in Jesus Name.” Amen.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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