Light to the nations

‘I, the LORD, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth. Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind and set free those who sit in dark prisons.’ (verses 6,7)

Read Isaiah 42:1-9

The people of Israel were chosen by God to be his servant. They were to bring great blessings to all the nations of the world. Religious Jews still strongly believe that they have a special call to serve the world with their gifts.

But Jesus is God’s servant par excellence. He is the perfect example of service and the prime motivation for us Christians. He is our Lord because he was first our servant. He gave his all to serve us. As John says in his gospel, Jesus is the light of the world, who opens the eyes of the blind (John 8:12 and 9:1-41). He sets us free from the dark prison of our sinful rejection of God.

Our Lord calls us now to follow him in the path of service to the world. There is so much to be done. There are so many opportunities for us to shine the light of God into our dark world, so many situations where we can bring justice, truth and compassion to needy people.

Lord Jesus, Servant-King, make my heart more and more like your caring and compassionate heart, so that I can be a better servant to others. Amen.

by John Vitale, in ‘Refreshment for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2003)

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