Bible Studies

---

The Scriptures
Isaiah 42:1-9 – God’s Chosen Servant

Key Verses: (NRSV)

• 1a: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights.” – Chapter 41 of Isaiah refers to the nation of Israel as God’s chosen servant but these verses were quoted in Matthew 12:18-21 as a reference to Christ. A third possibility exists that should be kept in mind as you read today’s verses: Are you His chosen servant?
  
  
• 1b: “I have put my spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.” – Through the empowered spirit of God, the Chosen Servant’s duty is to work for justice in the world.
  
  
• 3: “a bruised reed He will not break…He will faithfully bring forth justice.” – The Chosen Servant shows a sensitivity to all those around Him, reflecting God’s goodness and honesty to them.
  
  
• 4: “He will not grow faint or be crushed until He as established justice in the earth.” – Against all odds, the Chosen Servant will persist in His calling to establish justice throughout the world.
  
  
• 6a: “I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness…” – The Chosen Servant is called to do the right things, have the right attitude, develop the right relationships; He is empowered by God to demonstrate His righteousness to the world.
  
  
• 6b: “I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes of the blind.” – The Chosen Servant is a gift, a promise kept, for world. He is a light of hope and a bearer of truth.
  
  
• 9: “See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare.” – The world is changed by the loving presence of God through the empowerment of His servant.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Are you God’s Chosen Servant? Do you believe that we are all to be His servants and disciples in this world, called to “faithfully bring forth justice?” If not you, who is? Is this the work of only a few? Perhaps just a handful of the very best? Maybe God chooses one Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. every generation or so to lead the way to justice? Which would be more effective, a few working for justice in the world or many? Can you start living your life as one of many chosen for God’s purpose?
  
  
• Do you long for a more gentle society? Do you pray for the day where violence has no entertainment value? Do you see a future where the exchange of weapons of destruction no longer dominates trade talks between countries? Can you dream of a day when war is not a pathway to peace? Will there be a time where everyone is recognized as being a sacred creation of God? Where we all hold other’s needs and feelings in the same esteem as our own? Where “bruised reeds” are lifted and supported instead of being trampled under foot?
  
  
• What is the purpose of life? Why do you exist? Do you feel a pressing need to have your life matter is some special way? Is this not a universal desire for all of humanity? Do you find purpose for your life through your relationship with God? Do you see that in your fellowship with Him you are called to be a light to the world, “to open the eyes that are blind?” Can there be a greater purpose than to fulfill His promise for you?
  
  
• How are you personally changed by your relationship with Christ? The verses that God brings us during Holy Week are designed to reflect not only on the events leading up to Easter morning but to develop a better understanding of how those events affect our lives. What specific things about your life can you share with others that demonstrate the importance of His loving sacrifice for you? What new commitments are you willing to make to better fulfill God’s purpose and plan for you?
  

Promises of the Gospel:

God sent His Son into the world to demonstrate the characteristics of a loving servant. As we reflect on Jesus’ life we recognize that it is through Him that our true purpose in life is revealed. As He, the Messiah, was God’s Chosen Servant, so must we follow in His footsteps of servanthood. In the building of God’s kingdom we are called in righteousness to bring justice into the world.

FUMC Devotionals

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE