Page 14 - January 2023 - Truth & Tidings

he fact that the eternal Son of God His Cause
ever “made Himself of no reputa-
Ttion” by being poured into the In one beautiful statement, Isaiah
form of a servant is a marvel of divine summarises the purpose of the perfect
grace. Perhaps even more astonishing is Servant. He is the one in whom God “will
that the blessed Lord Jesus will retain this be glorified” (49:3). The primary concern
servant character for eternity (Luk 12:37). of the Servant was the glory of His Father
With such a vast subject at hand, it is pru- (Joh 17:4). This He did by, amongst other
dent to meditate on the so-called “Servant things, healing broken hearts (61:1), open-
Songs” of Isaiah as they paint a concise ing blind eyes and liberating bound souls
and beautiful summary of the course of (42:7). But such glory was fully manifested
that perfect Servant. (Note: These aspects at Calvary, and though the Servant cru-
of service below can also be traced with cified on a cross may have the mark of
great profit in Mark’s Gospel of the Ser- apparent failure (49:4), it is through that
vant Son. I encourage the reader to do so! finished work that He will restore the
All quotations are from the prophecy of “preserved of Israel,” be a “light to the
Isaiah unless otherwise noted.) Gentiles,” and be God’s “salvation unto
the end of the earth” (v6). Ultimately, He
His Call will set justice in the earth – the Servant,

Isaiah first introduces us to the Mes- indeed, will be a King reigning in righ-
siah as one who is a divine Son, born teousness (32:1). The perfect Servant has
into the world through the means of the unfinished business yet!
virgin birth (7:14). Though He was a child His Character
born, He was also a Son given from the
Father’s side (9:6). It is this eternal Son A perfect Servant must have a perfect
that became a servant. From eternity He character, for the two go hand in hand. The
was the called and chosen Servant whom Lord Jesus will yet say to less-than-perfect
God would have us gaze upon: “Behold servants like us, “Well done, good and
my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect” faithful servant” (Mat 25:21). “Good” or
(42:1). He was chosen because of who blameless (upright) character is essential
1
He is by nature, for only one who is God to faithful performance in service. Such
manifest in the flesh could accomplish was the character of the Lord Jesus. He
the work for which He was ordained. was never ostentatious or clamouring for
Indeed, He was called “from the womb” attention. He did not complain loudly, cry
(49:1) and “in righteousness” (42:6), that for vengeance or argue angrily. He did
is, to accomplish God’s righteous purpose. not even raise His voice in the street but
Thank God, He will not “fail” (burn low) spoke calmly, softly and quietly. There was
nor be “discouraged” (broken) until all is a spirit about this Servant which stands in
accomplished (v4). stark contrast to the pride of the human
¹ Bible quotations in this article are from the heart (42:2). He never sought to injure
KJV. an already fragile broken “reed,” like

14 TRUTH kTidings January 2023