“See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up My banner to the peoples.” (v.22)
Isaiah foretold the Servant role of Messiah in a series of prophecies often called the “Servant Songs.” Today’s prophecy is especially intriguing because in it, the Servant Himself (Jesus) speaks about His unique ministry and relationship to the Lord God. And today, we can read these verses with an insight Isaiah didn’t possess, because we can see their fulfillment in the events of Jesus’ life through the Scriptures.
In the opening of this chapter we see Jesus speaking to the nations saying that God the Father has called Him by His design, to be Israel’s Messiah and Savior (v.1). The Father then sent the Son into the world with the “sharpened sword” of His Word (v.2) to redeem Israel. In verse 3 Messiah then speaks of His rejection, and takes comfort in the fact that His exaltation comes from God (vv.4-5). Finally, even though He would be “despised and abhorred,” God would raise Him up; and kings will (future) bow down before Him (v.7).
The emphasis of this second servant song, is the special call of Christ's mission as Messiah to the entire world. Israel was not enough—the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles and bring salvation to the ends of the earth (v.6) Distant nations are summoned to hear this prophecy, for it applies to “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Rev. 5:9). Meaning eventually, "all flesh will know that Jesus is our LORD and Savior, our Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob" (v.26).
Even though the triumphant Second Coming of Jesus Christ is yet in the future, it is as certain as the first.
The Truth: “And an angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the LORD.” (Luke 2:10-11)
Isaiah foretold the Servant role of Messiah in a series of prophecies often called the “Servant Songs.” Today’s prophecy is especially intriguing because in it, the Servant Himself (Jesus) speaks about His unique ministry and relationship to the Lord God. And today, we can read these verses with an insight Isaiah didn’t possess, because we can see their fulfillment in the events of Jesus’ life through the Scriptures.
In the opening of this chapter we see Jesus speaking to the nations saying that God the Father has called Him by His design, to be Israel’s Messiah and Savior (v.1). The Father then sent the Son into the world with the “sharpened sword” of His Word (v.2) to redeem Israel. In verse 3 Messiah then speaks of His rejection, and takes comfort in the fact that His exaltation comes from God (vv.4-5). Finally, even though He would be “despised and abhorred,” God would raise Him up; and kings will (future) bow down before Him (v.7).
The emphasis of this second servant song, is the special call of Christ's mission as Messiah to the entire world. Israel was not enough—the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles and bring salvation to the ends of the earth (v.6) Distant nations are summoned to hear this prophecy, for it applies to “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Rev. 5:9). Meaning eventually, "all flesh will know that Jesus is our LORD and Savior, our Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob" (v.26).
Even though the triumphant Second Coming of Jesus Christ is yet in the future, it is as certain as the first.
The Truth: “And an angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the LORD.” (Luke 2:10-11)
