Missions-in-Focus - Keynote 2: The Mission of the True Servant – His Calling and Work

What this episode covers

Br. Daniel Bubenzer Isaiah 40-66 is divided into three sections (chapters 40-48, 49-57, and 58-66). Each section has nine chapters, and the divisions between them are clearly marked by the phrase, "There is no peace for the wicked" (48:22; 57:21). Chapter 49 begins the theme of Redemption through the Suffering Savior. Here the Servant Himself speaks with absolute authority. We see that His call was from birth, and we learn of His fitness for service. Some feel this could very well be part of what the Lord Jesus discussed with the two on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. Isaiah 42 would have helped them recognize who He was, and Isaiah 49 would have revealed His glory to them. From the opening of chapter 49, we learn of how the Servant was predestined for His mission and of His readiness to do the work of Jehovah (vv. 1-2). Isaiah 42 began with, "Behold My Servant," and chapter 49 begins with "Listen." We are to listen to the One who speaks with absolute authority. His message knows no geographic barriers, no national barriers, no social barriers, no intellectual barriers. This perfect Servant understands His mission. This is seen in verses 3-4 and throughout the chapter, as He speaks of "my mother," "my name," "my mouth," "my strength," "my just reward," "my work," and "my God." His mission is to display Jehovah's glory: Consider John 1:14, 17:4. Examine the connections in 1 Corinthians 6:19, 10:31; 2 Corinthians 9:13; Romans 15:5-6; John 21:19. His mission included bringing Jacob back to the Lord (Isaiah 49:5-6). He would bring light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:7). Consider His rejection by man, His reign over men, and His preeminence in the world. Suggested focus: As the perfect Servant of God, the Lord Jesus was always aware of the acceptance of His God. He is seen as the Servant testifying to the nations, calling upon them to acknowledge and accept the work which God has given Him. He was both called from the womb (v. 1) and formed from the womb (v. 5) to be the Servant of God. See also Matthew 1:20 and Luke 1:34-35. The mission of the Servant was to bring back Israel (Isaiah 55:7, Jeremiah 4:1) and to be a light to the Gentiles.

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