Tuesday Devotion

[Pastor Joelle]

Here is 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. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it
heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly
burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth
justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has
established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his
teaching.
Isaiah 42:1-4

In Isaiah God speaks of a servant he has chosen to bring justice to
the nations. Through the eyes of the church we see this as a
description of Jesus. However scripture can have many meanings and it
is likely the message from God had a more immediate meaning for those
who heard it at the time. Many scholars believe that Isaiah is
speaking of all of Israel as God’s servant. Remember the promise made
to Abraham, that God will bless him and his children that they might
be a blessing for other. God is reminding Israel of their
responsibility to be a light to the nations.

Who is God’s servant today? Who does God choose today to bring forth
justice, to bring peace and freedom from physical and spiritual
bondage today? Is it not the church? Is it not us? We are God’s
chosen and beloved. But God’s love is more than an emotion. God’s
love gives us a will and a purpose. There is a reason why we exist.
We exist to share God’s love and justice.

Gracious Loving God, open our hearts and spirits while we wait for
your teaching that you may use us as you establish justice in all the
earth.