Read Isaiah 38
Highlights:
Hezekiah's life lengthened; Babylonian captivity foretold; God to be praised; Covenant; a light to the Gentiles.
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. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street (Is. 42:1-2).
Jesus quoted from this portion of the Scripture when He said: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias (Isaiah) the prophet, saying, Behold My Servant, whom I have chosen (Matt. 12:17-18). He didn't say “Behold the great King,” or “Behold the Son of God.” He just said Behold My Servant.
The words My Servant in these verses refer to the Messiah, but the Christian today should also develop this attitude. What greater privilege could we have than to serve in obedience to the Lord! One who is willing to be the servant of the Lord will — like the Master — with an unassuming attitude, also serve his fellowman. God is calling the Church to be just like Jesus to the world. And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant (20:27). One of these attitudes includes servanthood to mankind. We are challenged by the Word of God to have the heart of a servant as we look at those in the world that have a need. The need could be physical, spiritual, or emotional. Regardless of the nature of the need, God is calling us as believers, to step in and help as He would. In doing this, we serve the Lord. For I was an hungred, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: Naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me. Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed Thee? . . . And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me (25:35-40).
Many are still waiting for the Lord to call them to do something special. But while we are waiting, we must be serving Him where we are. There are opportunities all around us to serve the Lord. Your mission field might be halfway around the world or it may be right on your own street.
And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:44-45).
Thought for Today:
A faithful servant desires to please his Master.
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator (Is. 40:28; comp. John 1:1-3); as the Shepherd (Is. 40:11; comp. John 10:11); as the Redeemer (Is. 41:14; comp. Gal. 3:13; I Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 5:9).
Word Studies:
38:10 residue, remainder; 40:2 comfortably, kindly and tenderly; 40:12 meted out, measured; span, spread of the fingers; 42:4 isles, Gentiles are mentioned in Is. 42:1, so the isles in 42:4 refer to the isles of the Gentiles (see Gen. 10:5); 42:13 jealousy, His fury.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Country: Papua New Guinea (5 million) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: 715 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 64% Protestant; 33% Roman Catholic; 2% ancestor worship, belief in spirits, and witchcraft • Prayer Suggestion: Ask God for daily direction (Ps. 48:14).
Optional Reading: James 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Habakkuk 3:18