Isaiah 41-43
A servant is one who is under a master to work and do as the master orders. God called the people of Israel His servant (Is. 41:8). but they were often disobedient and not to be trusted. But He told Isaiah of one special servant, one in whom He could “delight”, not like other servants:
“Behold My servant, whom I uphold, ... in whom My soul delighteth; ... He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench; He shall bring forth judgment unto truth ... .Thus saith God the Lord, He that created the heavens ... He that spread forth the earth ... He that giveth breath to the people upon it. I the Lord have called thee.” Is. 42:1-6.
This is all spoken very surely by God: There would be a servant, on earth, lowly, making no crying, or striving for himself a place, so gentle as one who would not break off a reed already bent, opening the eyes of the blind, doing good to all, rich or poor alike.
Years later these words about the Servant were fulfilled in the land where Isaiah, and those people had lived; a perfect Man went about their cities, opening the eyes of the blind, healing the sick, speang right words to all, humble and gentle.
A bent reed is easily broken off, or a dim light or fire, barely smoking, quickly put out; but this Servant was so gentle that, though any were feeble, as a bent reed, or their “light”, or trust, very dim, almost out, He did not despise them.
He did not ask for a place for Himself, but did all. quietly as a servant to God. He said,
Twice God spoke from heaven saying, this One was His Son in whom He found all His delight (Matt. 3:1717And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17), and Mark 9:77And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. (Mark 9:7). See also John 12:28-3028Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. (John 12:28‑30)). The name of this perfect man on earth was Jesus of Nazareth, Who was always humble and obedient to God.
You may have noticed, Isaiah said this Servant would be “for a light to the Gentiles”. The word, “Gentiles”, is used of any people who are not of the nation of Israel. This Servant would bless the Gentiles as well as Israel. Both Jews and Gentiles are now called on to believe Him, and be as one people. He says to all who believe,
Much more is told of this Servant in the book of Isaiah, of His humbleness, yet how badly He would be treated, which we will read later, the Lord willing.
When does God tell new things, or what is to happen? (Is. 42:9).
Read Matthew 12:13-2113Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. 14Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. 15But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; 16And charged them that they should not make him known: 17That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 18Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles. 19He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. 21And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. (Matthew 12:13‑21).
ML 12/28/1941