Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11 and 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
The great prophet Isaiah writes about a Servant whom God chose to bring the light of the gospel, the message of salvation, to the ends of the world. This passage is known as the Second Servant’s Song in Isaiah’s writing. The Lord calls a Servant, Israel – the nation or a person – to be a light to the nations, bringing salvation to the ends of the earth. The Servant will be despised by many but honored by God.
The Servant had a divine calling, named before birth and set apart by God. Equipped for ministry – his weapons are his words. He has doubts but he trusts God. God honors the Servant by expanding his ministry to Gentiles to fulfill the Servant’s purpose in bringing God’s salvation to earth.
Verses 1-6 describe the Servant’s own understanding of his divine calling. It is a reminder to us that God calls unlikely servants and how often those servants do not recognize themselves as such. The apostle Paul is a true example of this. In Verse 7, the phrase “The Holy One has chosen you” calls Israel to be God’s blessing for the world. It also applies to all believers called to serve the Lord.
Isaiah writes about God delivering Israel from the Babylonian exile. Israel was scattered, in shambles, and needed to return to the Lord to save themselves, the chosen people of God.
It was not only about the return to the Lord and the restoration of a chosen people. It was about salvation for all people, reaching the ends of the earth. “You are…” in verse 3 reaffirms Israel’s role as a covenant people and a light to all nations. God called Israel, chose Israel as His, even while in the mother’s womb. Just as God named His Son while in His mother’s womb. Both Israel and Jesus were chosen by God for a life of service that would glorify God.
In the second reading, Psalm 40:1-11, David provides encouragement to the reader, especially when doing God’s will sometimes means waiting patiently. In verses 1-3, David notes the benefits from waiting to do God’s will: God lifted him out of his despair; God set his feet on a rock; God gave him a firm place to stand; and God put a new song of praise in his mouth. Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through the trial of waiting.
“I desire to do your will, my God” writes David. His desire, and the desire of Jesus Christ, are the same – an attitude of obeying and humbly serving God. And now, in this psalm, David is expressing a similar humble attitude. It should be our attitude as well – that of a humble servant, using our words and actions to glorify God.
The third reading comes from the apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:1-9). The purpose of the entire letter is to address problems in the church there. In this opening passage, Paul tells his audience that they can never know Jesus Christ unless they let themselves be taught and led by the Word of God.
Paul reminds his readers that they have been called in the “fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord” and that they are not lacking any spiritual gifts needed while waiting for Christ’s return. They have been made holy, sanctified, through their faith in Christ and will be sustained in that faith until His return. They are to serve the Lord and glorify Him until that day comes.
We are chosen by God to be His servants. We are His now and forever, never lacking in what we need to do His will. That is our calling, that is His will and His promise. To be servants called by God. To Him be the glory! Amen.
Marsha Schroeder
Church Elder