Go Beyond

   I once heard someone remark that God does not use us because we are good but because He is good. God indeed uses ordinary people, despite their shortcomings, to help carry out His work in the world. The nation of Israel was chosen by God for a very important work. God did not choose the people of Israel because they were good or more important than others (see Deut. 7:6-8; 9:4-6). God chose Israel to be the nation that would evangelize all nations or people groups. God chose Israel to be His servant.

   Isaiah described the role of God’s servant (Isaiah 42:1-4). Though Isaiah did not explicitly state the identity of this servant, many scholars believe Isaiah’s words reiterate Israel’s servant-missionary role in God’s plan. God’s Spirit empowered His servant for ministry (v. 1). God always stands ready to empower and equip those whom He calls to serve Him. God assigned His servant the task of bringing “justice to the nations” (v. 1). Justice is that which is in harmony with God’s will and law (v. 4). Justice will come to the nations when people repent of their sin, turn to God for salvation, and live in a manner pleasing to Him.

   Isaiah wrote that God’s servant would carry out his ministry in a gentle and quiet way (v. 2), reaching even the weakest and most helpless members of society (v. 3). Christ-followers live and serve in many areas of the world where they are not permitted to initiate conversation about what they believe. However, these individuals are prepared to respond in a gentle and respectful way to those who ask about the hope that is within them (see 1 Pet. 3:15). Many Christ-followers minister to people groups by providing the most basic humanitarian needs. These practical acts of kindness open many doors for dialogue about God. In these quiet, gentle, and practical ways, Christ-followers are helping to bring justice to the nations.

   Isaiah affirmed that God’s servant would see his mission through to completion (v. 4). However, Israel did not fulfill her mission as described in these verses. Matthew saw the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah’s words in Jesus, the perfect Israelite (see Matt. 12:14-21). May we faithfully share with all peoples on earth the only message that can lead them to life. Let’s allow God to use us to bring forth justice to the nations and hasten the day when “the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isa. 11:9).