Isaiah 44-48
“My Servant” is a significant term in Isaiah 41-53. And four times during this stretch, Isaiah receives words from the Lord that seem to identify “My Servant” as the Messiah. At other times, “My Servant” seems to refer to God’s people, Israel. But since the come of Christ, Christians have recognized their Savior in these passages. Other passages in the Old Testament paint a conquering king picture of the Messiah (like the Second Coming), but these, especially Isaiah 52-53, describe the suffering Messiah (like Jesus’ first coming). Here are the four “Servant Songs” that point to Jesus:
Isaiah 42:1-9. Jesus: filled with the Spirit. Jesus: the Justice-Bringer!
Isaiah 49:1-13. Jesus’ pre-existence and birth. Jesus: a light to the Gentiles and the Redeemer of Israel!
Isaiah 50:4-11. Jesus: our Teacher. Jesus: mocked and spat upon.
Isaiah 52:13—53:12. Jesus: marred and disfigured, despised and rejected, pierced and punished for wayward sheep like us!
TODAY’S chapters fit in between the first and second Servant Songs and speak more directly to the nation of Israel as God’s Servant:
Isaiah 44: Servant Israel, you were chosen to belong to God, not foolish idols!
Isaiah 45: Israel, though you have sinned, you will “turn and be saved.” Though you have been carried away, I will raise up a future leader, Cyrus, to bring you back!
Isaiah 46: Israel, though you’ll be carried to the land of Babylon and you dwell amid their “gods,” I will grant salvation to you.
Isaiah 47: Israel, as strong as your conqueror is, I will bring disaster upon Babylon for her wickedness!
Isaiah 48: Israel, you are stubborn, indeed, yet I will punish Babylon and refine you.
Monday, we read more of the Servant Songs!
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
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