The Joy of Glory

Isaiah 42:1-4 (click here)
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. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.

Reflection
Do you feel tired? Beat up? Powerless?

Do you feel like a cog in the machine of the world? Like no one notices you, no one hears you, and no one cares? It is easy for us to feel this way in a world that can be so brutal, loud, and unjust.

Isaiah spoke to the people of God in a time when they were overrun by loveless leaders. People of power who cared only for themselves and spoke over or silenced anyone who disagreed. Many were the causalities left in their wake that they merely considered necessary collateral damage.

Could there be a savior for such a world?

BEHOLD… the servant of the Lord.

The prophet Isaiah holds forth several “servant songs” filled with hope for they speak of a savior to hope in! He is not like the self-centered leaders and power hungry politicians who “rule” the world. Oh no… he is empowered by the very spirit of God and it shows in how his power is put on display! He humbly executes justice! He does not need to raise his voice over everyone so that he appears as the most powerful person. No. In fact, he is so gentle with those he loves, it is like he wouldn’t even snuff out a candle wick or break a twig.

He is gentle and faithful. No matter how much it looks like the unjust powers of this world are winning he does not grow faint or discouraged for he knows that he will redeem all of creation and establish justices to the ends of the earth! And he does it as a servant! Not as one who serves himself, but who serves you and me.

Do you feel tired? Beat up? Powerless? Look to our servant savior who is gentle with you and faithful towards you. He doesn’t not grow faint in his faithfulness. Let us not grow faint in our faith.

 
*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com
*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.