Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"You are My servant, O Israel"
Text: Isaiah 49:3
A COMPLAINING SPIRIT
The Messiah was called to be a Servant of the LORD. This was happily accepted by the Messiah. Israel was also called a servant of God, but the nation nursed a complaining spirit and was very resentful.
“And He said to me,
‘You are My servant, O Israel,
In whom I will be glorified.’
Then I said, ‘I have laboured in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain;
Yet surely my just reward is with the LORD,
And my work with my God.'”
Isaiah 49:3-4
1. The LORD’s plan revealed.
a) Israel was to be God’s servant.
b) God would be glorified in Israel:
i) Through Israel’s obedience.
ii) Through the nation’s faithfulness.
iii) Through the people’s worship and service.
2. Israel’s response to the LORD.
a) Israel complained.
b) This spirit of complaining was seen even in the days of Moses.
c) The nation was never satisfied with their relationship with God.
3. Some of the complaints:
a) Things were “in vain”.
i) Labouring for God was in vain.
ii) Strength devoted to serving God was in vain too.
b) Their claim of “a just reward” from God.
i) They expected to be well-rewarded by God.
ii) They presented their “work” before the LORD.
iii) They were obviously unhappy with God’s response.
4. In vital contrast.
a) The Messiah expected no material reward.
b) He was just delighted to serve the LORD faithfully.