Formed from the womb to be His servant

Text: Isaiah 49:1-7
9 December 2007

(I) A PERSONAL TESTIMONY OF THE MESSIAH-SERVANT

1. Calling of God

“The LORD has called Me from the womb,
From the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name”
Isaiah 49:2

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus” Luke 1:31

2. Prepared by God

“And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword,
In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me
And made Me a polished shaft;
In His quiver He has hidden Me”
Isaiah 49:2

“So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, ‘Is this not Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22

“And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority” Luke 4:32

3. Formed to be a Servant

“And now the LORD says, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant,
To bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel is gathered to Him.
(For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and My God shall be My strength)”
Isaiah 49:5

“You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.
If I then, Your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
John 13:13-14

“I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” John 17:4

(II) HONOURING OF THE MESSIAH-SERVANT

1. Salvation’s Light to the ends of the earth

“Indeed, He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant…
I will also give You as a Light to the Gentiles,
That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth”
Isaiah 49:6

2. A New Covenant through the Messiah-Servant

“Thus says the LORD:
In an acceptable time I have heard You,
And in the day of salvation I have helped You;
I will preserve You and give You a Covenant to the people,
To restore the earth, to cause them to inherit the desolate heritages…”
Isaiah 49:8

(III) APPROPRIATE RESPONSES

“Sing, O heavens!
Be joyful, O earth!
And break out in singing, O mountains!
For the LORD has comforted His people,
And will have mercy on His afflicted”
Isaiah 49:13

1. Sing to the Lord

2. Be joyful in the Lord