Trusting in the Word of god in Challenging Times- Lesson 9

This week we are going to look at Isaiah 42:1-9- the first Servant Song. The four Servant Songs in Isaiah refer to Israel and Christ. (The other servant Songs are  49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12) As we read them think of Israel first, then Christ, then us.  For our purposes we will see how the servant clings to the Word of God in humility depite his struggles. 

1) Read Isaiah 42:1-4. How do you picture this servant? 

God chose the servant to do great things. Scripture shows us how God chose Israel. God chose to send his Son. Has he chosen you? 

Yes! God has chosen you. God calls you with his Holy Spirit through your faith to serve him. He can use you no matter what your status or abilities. Look at how humble the servant was in Isaiah 42. 

2) Look at verse 3 again then jump down to verse 6. The servant goes from a smoldering wick to a light to the nations! How does this happen? 

The Lord is glorified by our weakness. He can use the weak, and the fragile to shine before all men. Through our weakness we can glorify God. We can show others a genuine, and tested faith that has been preserved by the Holy Spirit.  

Read Luke 2:32. Do you see any similarities between between this verse and Isaiah 42:6? 

Christ is the light of the world. He removes the darkness of our sin and he gives us access to the bright and beautiful glory of God. He shines in us, so that we shine before others with our actions. 

3) Read Isaiah 42:8-9 

What new things will God declare? 

Read Luke 22:19-20 and Hebrews 9:15- The new things are God's new covenant. We are no longer under the law. Christ has fulfilled the old covenant for us, so that we can have grace and live by faith under Christ. In this new covenant we can have access to eternal life, salvation, and forgiveness of sins through the Word, Lord's Supper, and baptism. 

Spiritual exercise- The last servant song is Isaiah 52:13-53:12. It carries many reminders of Christ's crucifixion. Read through this song and think of Christ as the suffering servant. Consider his agony, and thank God for his tremendous love and devotion to his people.