The Father’s Plans
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, I lay aside all that crowds into my mind right now so that I can listen to You speak.
Read Isaiah 42:1-9
[1] “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. [2] He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. [3] A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; [4] he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.” [5] This is what God the LORD says- he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: [6] “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, [7] to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. [8] “I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. [9] See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What will this servant be like?Four hundred years before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah paints an intimate word-picture of God the Father’s love for his only Son. Through the prophet’s words, God makes promise after promise about what his “servant” (1) will do and what he will be like. It’s almost as though God is so excited, he just can’t wait to tell everyone in advance about his plans. And what plans they are! The hallmarks of justice, compassion and the light of God’s presence will be stamped on every detail of the new covenant. God’s power will be revealed in tenderness and faithfulness.
How much do we, as followers of Jesus, reflect these qualities in the way we live? When people look at us, do they see people who are sensitive to the needs of the vulnerable? Who work tirelessly for justice? It’s easy to get discouraged—we know we don’t measure up. Yet God’s Kingdom values will shine through in the end, not because of us, but because of Jesus.
Small wonder that, so many years later, God the Father’s love for his Son again overflowed at Jesus’ baptism: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).
Apply
Use some of the ideas from the passage to help focus your worship. “I love you, Lord, because you are … and you will …”
Closing prayer
Lord, Keep working in me so that my life will reflect Yours and people will see one who lives out Your values.
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