Isaiah’s Servant Passages
The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting. Isaiah 50:4-6 (ESV)
This past Advent season, we meditated on the familiar words found in the ninth chapter of Isaiah. It’s a birth announcement, but the child to be born is described in stupendous fashion. He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. The first name reveals something about His compassionate nature. He comes to have the perfect word to speak to sinners in every situation.
The words that He speaks comes from God Himself (which He is). He gives Him His tongue and His words are able to sustain the weary. He from little on would listen intently to God’s message and would so share and fulfill that message Himself. He was willing to go even further, to be treated with shame and contempt because He was enduring all of this for us.
The Servant of God brings salvation to sinners. He’s also available with words of comfort, both then and now. When we struggle, we need only open the Scriptures and listen to Him speak the words that we need to hear.
Jesus’ words always have power. He doesn’t take time off. God helps us to seek Him out daily. In Him we will find His promised rest for our souls.
I praise Thee, Savior, whose compassion
Did bring Thee down to ransom me;
Thy pitying heart sought my salvation
Though keenest woes were heaped on Thee,
Bro’t me from bondage full release,
Made me Thine own, and gave me peace.
The Lutheran Hymnal 243:3