The Lord's Chosen Servant
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. 2He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. (Isaiah 42:1-4)
A favorite book of mine in scripture is Isaiah. Isaiah is filled with rich language and bold prophecies of a servant unlike any other God has called before. To this point in biblical history (around 700 years before Christ is born), God has called some warriors. Abraham, Moses, and David to name three who are mentioned in the study notes. God also elects some who are "heathen kings" such as Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus. Israel, the nation, is called as a servant to God as well.
Yet, who is this "chosen Servant" God is speaking of in this passage? Isaiah is recording a great deal of prophecy for God in his book and this passage is key.
From the study bible: "The Holy Spirit inspired Isaiah to record four separate songs of the Suffering Servant (42:1–9; 49:1–13; 50:4–11; 52:13–53:12). With remarkable clarity, 700 years before the Servant was born, Isaiah vividly portrayed His life from manger to grave to resurrection. He wrote how the Servant, born of a virgin, would atone for the sins of the world with His own suffering and death. No other human could fulfill the mission of the Servant."
As you read this, it is clear Isaiah is pointing us to Christ. God is speaking of his Servant, whom his soul delights and who will be counseled by his Spirit. Christ will be who delivers us from evil, who brings justice, who will not be loud or shout in the streets, and he will gently and carefully grow and nurture faith. His spirit will not grow weary or faint.
Pray with me: Gracious Father, I cannot go it alone. Thank you for sending your Son to walk among and with us and give us strength to face each day. Send us your Spirit to help strengthen us and not be discouraged. Your justice has been established. We pray your will be done. Amen.