Meditation
YOU ARE MY SERVANT
Text: Isaiah 41-42
1 March 2015
SERVANTS OF GOD
The term “servant (of God)” was applied in two ways in the Book of Isaiah.
1. It was a reference to Israel
But you, Israel, are My servant…
And said to you,
You are My servant… Isaiah 41:8, 9
2. It was a reference to the Messiah
Behold, My Servant whom I uphold… Isaiah 42:1
THE FAILURE OF ISRAEL AS A SERVANT OF GOD
Ancient Israel was really privileged to be called “a servant of God.” Many precious promises were given to the nation. The following may be highlighted:-
1. God promised His presence Isaiah 41:10
2. He promised strength Isaiah 41:10
3. He promised help Isaiah 41:10
4. He promised upholding Isaiah 41:10
Sadly, these promises fell on deaf ears. The nation continued to indulge in idolatry and essentially forsook the Lord their God.
THE PROPHECY OF THE MESSIAH-SERVANT
The Lord gave a prophetic word to the nation of Israel. He would send them a Messiah. He would show them that it was possible to succeed as a Servant of God, given similar promises! The following promises may be highlighted:-
1. The promise of the Lord’s upholding Isaiah 42:1
2. The Lord would give Him the Holy Spirit Isaiah 42:1
THE WORK OF THE MESSIAH-SERVANT
The work of the Messiah-Servant was infinitely more difficult than that given to Israel.
1. He will bring forth justice Isaiah 42:1
2. He will usher in a new covenant Isaiah 42:6
3. He will minister:-
a) To the spiritually blind
b) To those who were spiritually imprisoned
THE SUCCESS OF THE MESSIAH-SERVANT
In the pulpit series (March-April 2015), we will study how the Messiah-Servant succeeded in faithfully fulfilling all that God commanded. May our hearts be challenged to emulate the Lord Jesus Christ in service!