Tuesday 31 March 2026
- Bible Book:
- Isaiah
He says, "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (v. 6)
Background
This passage is from the second Servant Song. In this Song, the Servant speaks for the first time. He describes his commission and sense of call in verses 1-3 and then responds to it in verse 4. His response is surprising. Clearly the mission is not without its challenges and the Servant experiences discouragement and frustration; stating that, despite his best efforts he has "laboured in vain". The Servant then relates God’s reply.
Initially God offers encouragement and praise. These frustrations, God says, are temporary and inconsequential. It does not matter that the Servant has not yet achieved the mission (v. 5). The Servant’s purpose from birth was to bring Jacob/Israel back into fellowship with God and, though this has not yet happened, it certainly will. The Servant will be glorious in God’s eyes, and God will provide the strength required for success.
Then, in verse 6, God outlines the bigger picture and reminds (or informs) the Servant that the task is not just to restore the survivors of Israel but to be a "light to the nations".
The ‘nations’ are all the peoples and ethnic groups of the world other than Israel. It is also a term used to represent Gentiles or non-believers. The understanding is that God created all the nations in their diversity and it's God’s intention to bring all people into relationship with God and into God’s kingdom. Therefore, the Servant’s mission is both the redemption of Israel and, through Israel, the redemption of the nations.
All of a sudden the Servant’s mission takes on cosmic proportions. There are huge things at stake here, nothing less than salvation of the world!
It is not difficult to see why Early Christians began to interpret these Songs as being prophesies about Jesus. In fact, in Matthew’s Gospel (12:17-21) there is a direct reference to the first Song.
To Ponder:
- Have you ever experienced a sense of being ‘called’ to something? What was that like?
- Have you ever felt that you have ‘laboured in vain’? What happened and what helped?
Prayer
Loving God, when we feel frustrated and discouraged enable us to rest in your strength, and give us a perspective that glimpses the bigger picture of your love. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Sheryl Anderson
Sheryl is a supernumerary presbyter in the West Herts and Borders Circuit. In retirement she continues to preach and be a supervisor. She is also learning to keep bees.