Knowing The Word: The Lord's Chosen Servant, Isaiah 42:1-9

This is the first of the four Servant Songs in Isaiah that describe who the Messiah will be. The first song points to the scope of the Servant’s work, his reliability, and his perseverance. The Servant carries to the world the message that there is only one God. The Servant is applied to both Moses and to David, two of the greatest figures in the Old Testament; however, he is perfectly exemplified and fulfilled in Jesus. As you read this passage, focus on the work of the Servant and what he will bring to God’s people.

1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.

5 Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8 I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.”

Father, thank you that the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve. Help each of us today to serve someone else. Plan right now who you can serve today.