Isaiah ‘Twas Foretold It
This passage from Isaiah, also called the second Servant Song, is a glimpse of God’s prescription for the world and the promise of the coming Messiah. Just as Israel was called, we, too, are invited to listen and hear what God is saying.
In some ways, this passage speaks to a very specific time period and people. The verses address the plight of Israel; the servant who has “laboured in vain” and spent its strength for nothing.
The Good News is that the Redeemer of Israel and the Holy One will restore Israel. But for the coming Saviour, the task is just the beginning, as it is considered to be too “light” a thing. The Lord also promises to be a light to the Gentiles and bring salvation unto the earth.
God gave us his only Son so that the glory of God could be revealed for all. In John 8:11, Jesus tells us, “I am the light of the world”. Not a light to some people, not a light to certain places, but a light to the whole world.
We, too, are living in times that seem divided and distraught, full of anguish and despair. We can hear the plight of Israel through Isaiah and see ourselves, wanting peace and stability and immediate answers.
When we pray, we may focus on specifics. Care and healing for this person, peace to this nation, but Isaiah reminds us that God’s goodness and power are far greater than we can comprehend. We pray that God’s will be done because we acknowledge and recognize the limitations of our humanness, our incapacity for understanding the full scope of eternal grace, the peace that surpasses understanding, the divine.
This passage reminds us that God has a plan and vision for all of us; God is our salvation “unto the end of the earth”.
From the very beginning of our existence, we are invited and accepted to be a part of God’s family. We humbly remember the gift of being God’s child.
Dear God, you are our strength and salvation. Through your restoring love, may we be your messengers, shining the light of Good News in the world.
Katie Anderson