The Lord will Keep You

December 12, 2010

Lesson: Isaiah 42:1–8

Key Verse: Isaiah 42:6

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Introduction

The Servant of the Lord is the Messiah, the Son of God. He is the Redeemer of his people, Israel. He will also “bring forth judgment upon the Gentiles” (Isa. 42:1), and he will be “for a light of the Gentiles” (42:6). In other words, Christ came as an appointed Servant to the nations of this world. The Father says to the Son, “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possessions” (Psa. 2:8). In judgment, the Lord shall “break them with a rod of iron” (2:9). In grace and mercy, he will gather from every nation those for whom he would give his life as a ransom: “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon my altar; mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people. The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, besides those that are gathered unto him” (Is. 56:7–8).

This Servant belongs to the Lord. His obedience and loyalty belongs to the Father. The Servant-King is present in this world because he has faithfully obeyed the Father in accomplishing the salvation for his people in his life, death, and resurrection. He continues to be the Mediator-King of all nations, fulfilling the will and counsel of the Triune Godhead, of which he is the ‘Second Person.’ His eternal dominion over all nations is declared in Revelation 11:15, as the great voices of heaven, the divine proclamation of God, saying, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever.” Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body. As Head of the Church, he is also Supreme Ruler of all nations.

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Christ Shall Not Fail—Isaiah 42:1–4

The Lord gives Israel a chance to state their cause (Isa. 41:21). Has the Lord dealt unjustly with his people? Then set your case before him. However, they could not find a voice, a counselor that would stand in their stead (41:28). God’s justice was true, “Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing; their molten images are wind and confusion” (29). Who will lift up God’s elect (from every tongue and nation) that they may receive justice and mercy?

The gods of this world offer no hope. The governments of this world desire unquestionable service without the hope of redemption from their greed and self-indulgences. The Lord himself sends a Servant who will not fail: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my Spirit upon him; he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.”

Christ is God’s preeminent servant, majestic in character and works. He is called God’s servant because he alone is able to carry out the will of the Father in the redemption of his people. He alone was able to take upon himself “the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a men, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:7–8). Christ is the appointed Servant in whom his soul delights. When Jesus spoke to John the Baptist, saying, “Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness,” He was faithfully carrying out the counsel of God. Thus the Father spoke from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:15–17). His endearing pleasure with the Son was again voiced at the time of Christ’s transfiguration, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matt. 17:5). Christ Jesus is called a ‘Servant,’ “because God the Father not only enjoined him to teach or to do some particular thing, but called him to a singular and incomparable work which has nothing in common with other works” (Calvin).

The attributes (or character) of God’s Servant reveal one who unresistingly carries out the will of the Father; for “He shall not cry, not lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.” He does not need the applause of the crowd, only the delight of His Father in heaven. Would that we would so serve our Lord, worshiping and proclaiming that we might please only him whom we serve. Our Lord will not break a bruised reed. He will “bring forth judgment unto truth.” He seeks not to harm the weak but to lift them up in his strength. In justice and truth He brings forth refreshment to those who are His. His voice comforts us as He calls us to His side (Matt. 11:28–30).

The Servant will not be discouraged, nor will he fail. Discouragement is a sign of weakness. Perseverance in obedience and hope does not fail. He shall “set judgment in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law.” The Lord will discharge his employment as a Servant. All creation waits for his doctrine, his law, to take effect. Christ’s ministry will be fruitful.

Discussion: Why is God the Father pleased with His Servant?

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The Servant’s Service—Isaiah 42:5–8

Who is he that has called the Son into such a service as His Servant? He is Creator of the heavens and earth. He is the one who has breathed out life “unto the people upon it, and spirit to them walk therein.” The Lord gives us “clear proofs of the power of God, that all may be aroused by the mention of them, and may be convinced that he who created all things out of nothing, who spread out the heavens, who produced vegetation, who gave life to animals, and who upholds and defends all things by his power, will easily perform what he promises concerning the reign of Christ” (Calvin).

Our Father in heaven is the Lord who has called his Servant “in righteousness.” He will do that which is right and honorable, truthful and pure. He is able to redeem his people. He “will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” He takes us by his hand, to hold us close that we might persevere to the end. He will never let us go, nor forsake us. All “the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen” (2 Cor. 1:20). Christ is the Deliverer of the blind and the prisoner. Those who walk in darkness need his light. Those who are trapped in the prison of this world’s transgressions need his salvation. It is Christ who has “delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13).

The foundation of our deliverance, our escape from the guilt and punishment of our transgressions, is found in Christ alone. We are not saved by works but by him who is able to save. Our salvation is in the person of our Lord. The Rock of our salvation is seen in this declaration, “I am the Lord; that is my name; and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” There is no other person under heaven whereby we are saved. He will not give his attributes, his character, his glory and praise, to any other. Only the Lord, as he has revealed himself in Holy Scripture. His Word is able to deliver. Our Lord is singularly jealous of his being (Ex. 20:5). For anyone or thing to take his place of worship and praise is an abomination to him. The Lord is not deceitful in his promises as the world is. Therefore, to commit one to the ways and thoughts of the world is more than mere foolishness. It is an act of disobedience and transgression against the Word of God.

Therefore, come to God’s Servant, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Come, and he will give you refreshment. You, who are weary and burdened with sin, come to him who is calling you to himself. He who took upon himself your sins and guilt will lead you to repentance and faith. In Christ you will not be disappointed. “For wherever you seek you will be disappointed, but if you do but seek unto the Lord Jesus Christ, there you will find a fullness of everything which your weary soul wants” (Whitfield).

Discussion: What does it mean to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior?

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2010 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.