25 March • Monday of Holy Week
Isaiah 42:1-9
1 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.
2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
3 a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged
till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law.
5 Thus says God, the LORD,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people on it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
6 “I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness;
I will take you by the hand and keep you;
I will give you as a covenant for the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
8 I am the LORD; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols.
9 Behold, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth
I tell you of them.”
Meditation
Ancient Israel was chosen from among all the nations of the earth to be God’s servant (Isaiah 41:8-9). They were supposed to be a light to the nations and a testimony of God’s redemptive love. However, they had failed in this regard.
In Isaiah 42, the prophet introduced us to a messianic figure (Jesus) whom God sent to fulfill what the nation of Israel had failed to accomplish. Jesus left His kingly throne in heaven and became a man. Then He lowered Himself even further to become a servant of men. His first coming into the world was clothed with lowliness and humility.
Jesus is God’s covenant to His people and a light for the nations. In Him, justice and righteousness prevail and all things are made right. He is gentle and tender towards the frail and the weak. He comes to fix what was broken and to free people from the captivity of sin.
Jesus came to take up the role that the Israel of old failed to fill. He who deserved to be served, lowered himself to become a servant, how much more should we?
If we would truly be recognised as Christ-followers and be effective as His servants, we must emulate the example He set for us. Let us be willing instruments of God’s healing love, mercy and justice in a hurting world.
Prayer
Thank you heavenly Father that through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven and our relationship with You is restored. In our quest to follow Jesus, help us to embrace His missions and make them our own.
Send us out to be His light in the world and bearers of the good news of salvation. We humbly ask and pray in Your Son’s most precious name. Amen!
Action
What does God’s promise to establish justice personally mean to you?
How do you see yourself as God’s servant?
The Lord’s Servant is a gentle Saviour who doesn't shout down at others or crush the weakest reed (vv.2-3). As followers of Christ, resolve to walk in peace and gentleness in all you do.
Rev Goh Yong Kuang
Pastor
Glory Presbyterian Church