Page 15 - January 2023 - Truth & Tidings

the widow of Nain, but rather sought highly accurate in its flight. His single aim
her repair by care and compassion. was the Father’s will, and He did not miss!
He would never quench two smoking
flaxes, like those on the road to Emmaus, His Cross
but rather sought to ignite the bright It is inevitable that diligent service for
flame of testimony again. No wonder God will lead to suffering and persecution
the character of this Servant delighted at the hands of those opposed to God. So,
His Master; He was truly one in whom the perfect Servant was obedient to the
“my soul delighteth” (v1). extent of death, even the death of the cross.
Long before the time, He knew exactly what
His Consolation His suffering would entail, but He was not
The perfect Servant ministered com- rebellious, neither did He turn aside from
fort to others, not least by His words. His the clearly marked path that lay before Him
tongue was that of one well instructed (50:5). His back was given to the “smiters,”
and educated. He knew exactly what his cheeks to “them that plucked off the
to say and how to say it. James declares hair.” His face was exposed to “shame and
that no human being can “tame” (sub- spitting” (v6). He was brutalised beyond
due) the tongue, but Christ was in com- recognition (52:14). But He will accomplish
plete control of His. Every morning He divine purpose, whatever the cost. This is,
awoke to His Father’s instruction that ultimately, for the glory of God, and He will
He, in turn, might lift up the downheart- therefore go without a murmur (53:7).
ed and strengthen the weary. Though
part of His ministry was to “comfort His Compensation
all that mourn” (61:2), He Himself was But this Servant will receive the highest
not left without the consolation of His compensation for His faithful service: He
Father’s presence and preservation. His “shall be exalted and extolled, and be very
promise was, “I … will hold thine hand, high” (52:13). Though the Jews assigned
and will keep thee” (42:6). His grave with the wicked in accord with
his shameful death on a tree, God designed
His Conduct that He actually be buried in a rich man’s
The conduct of the perfect Servant tomb in accord with His moral beauty – He
was ever marked by the power and had done no “violence” and no “deceit” was
energy of the Spirit. The Spirit of God in His mouth (53:9). Moreover, this Servant
rested upon Him at His incarnation shall “see of the travail of his soul, and shall
(11:2), baptism (42:1) and throughout be satisfied” (v11). The fruit of Calvary, His
His public ministry (61:1). There was spiritual “seed,” will bring Him fulness of
no need for the Spirit to strive with delight. To be blunt, the awful suwwffering
Him as he does with us. Consequently, of Calvary will be fully compensated (it
His words were like a “sharp sword,” was worth it!) when His bride is revealed
indicating the piercing and powerful at His side.
incision with which He spoke (49:2). The Dear believer, it is our privilege to serve
Servant Himself was like a “polished Christ. May we seek to learn from and fol-
shaft” or “sharpened arrow” which, low the pattern of service so perfectly set by
without roughness or unevenness, is our blessed Lord.

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