Missions-in-Focus - Keynote 1: The Character of the True Servant

What this episode covers

Br. John Redekop “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights!” (Isaiah 42:1) The book of Isaiah is easily laid out into two sections: chapters 1-39 form the first section and chapters 40-66 the second. Some have suggested that Isaiah is like the Bible itself, divided into two sections—the Old Testament having 39 books and mainly illustrating the failure of man, the judgment which follows, and mankind‘s need of salvation; while the 27 books of the New Testament display‘s God‘s provision for salvation. The word salvation actually appears 28 times in the book of Isaiah, and 21of the 28 times are in the second section (chap. 40-66). Isaiah‘s name means ?salvation of the Lord.? In order for there to be salvation, there must be a Savior, a deliverer; and this brings us to our Servant Songs. Leading up to chapter 42, this second section of Isaiah (chap. 40-66) begins by setting the greatness of our God before the readers. In Isaiah 40:1-11 we read of the tenderness of our God in His attitude toward His people and the forerunner that He will send. In 40:12-31, we read of our God as transcendent in His attributes (with at least 15 attributes mentioned in these verses). In chapter 41 we read of the willingness of our God to help a wayward and rebellious people. In fact, in chapters 41-44 we hear Him say ?Fear not? at least seven times. We also read of the futility of idols and how God looked for a man among them to be their counselor or one who could answer. All this leads us to hearing Jehovah Himself contrast everything in chapter 41 with the opening of chapter 42: ?Behold My Servant!? We suggest four things to consider in Isaiah 42:1-9 The honor in the character of Jehovah‘s Servant (v. 1) The humility in His Servant (vv. 2-4) The hard fast faithfulness of this Servant (v. 4) The hope of His ministry to the world as the light to the Gentiles (vv. 5-7) As we look at this passage, compare these New Testament passages: Luke 2:49; John 5:36 Matthew 12:18-21; John 12:37-41 Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42 Philippians 2:5-8

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