Last week we entered a new season of the Christian year: Epiphany. During these weeks we celebrate God’s presence revealed to humankind. In the New Testament, we move from the revelation given to the Magi to the revelation given through Jesus’ baptism. In the Hebrew Bible, we return to Isaiah, who affirms the divine revelation made real in God’s servant Israel.

Today’s scripture passage is the first of four Servant Songs. As Christians, we usually interpret the servant as Jesus Christ. God calls Israel in Isaiah 41:8–9 “my servant.” Although there were many kinds of servants in the ancient world, Isaiah refers to a close, personal assistant, who faithfully carries out the will of the Lord. In this first Servant Song, God’s voice identifies and characterizes the servant. Then Isaiah identifies and characterizes God. God then affirms the covenant and mission that binds them. God promises restoration and new life. We will look more closely at each of these.

God identifies the servant as the chosen one. Being chosen carries both privilege and responsibility. One is chosen for a purpose. In verse 1, being chosen is closely followed by God’s affirmation of delight. Thus, the purpose of being chosen is not only to carry out the Lord’s will. The purpose is also to be the beloved, the object of God’s delight. The voice from heaven used the same phrase of delight at Jesus’ baptism and the transfiguration. Too often we forget that delight is an essential part of our covenant relationship with God.

The Spirit of God endows the servant with authority and power. The servant is characterized by justice, quiet gentleness, and meekness. The servant will not grow discouraged or tired of doing justly. The servant will teach God’s righteousness near and far. For the ancient Jews, righteous teaching was the law of Moses. The servant’s role was to teach and interpret the covenant principles so justice could spread throughout the world.

Isaiah identifies God as the Creator of heaven and earth, who gives spirit and breath to humankind. In this description of the Creator, all of history is represented. God breathed life into the first humans. God continues to give breath and spirit to those who live today. God’s character is one of calling, guidance, protection, and care. God’s glory is singular and unique, not to be shared with idols. Isaiah declares this is the God who has completed all the saving acts of the past, and now declares the coming of new events even before they happen.

Within God’s characterization is a familiar statement of mission. The servant is given as a light to the nations, to heal the blind and free the prisoners. The words are echoed in Isaiah 61:1–2, which Jesus quotes in declaring his mission (see Luke 4:16–19). These are the details of the call to justice which is repeated several times through this scripture passage. The mission of God’s servant Israel becomes Christ’s mission. Now it is our mission, and God delights in us as we fulfill that call to justice.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1.  God calls us chosen people and delights in us. Our baptism affirms that covenant relationship.
2. God is revealed as a God of calling, guidance, protection, care, and justice.
3. God called Israel to a mission of justice and peace. That mission became Christ’s. Now it is our mission.