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THE MISSION OF THE SERVANT-KING
Saturday, 2 November 2019
Isaiah 49 : 1-13
He says: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” - Isaiah 49:6
All expositors of the Bible universally agree on the one grand theme portrayed through from Chapters 49 -53 of Isaiah- the lessons of the Servant King. This was a unique theme unheard of in those times. They may have known of a servant and known of a king; but not a “servant- king!” These were two conflicting phrases put together, contradicting a man's experience. But our God is combining these two aspects of life together in one single person as clearly portrayed in the above chapters. Even today, many Christians find it difficult to comprehend this theme. Unless this is understood and practiced in its truest sense, Christian leadership becomes futile.
In the key verse today, we get a Mission statement of the coming Messiah or the Servant King. This mission statement has two distinctive parts namely—"to raise up the tribes of Jacob" and equally important , be a "light for the nations." Jews and Gentiles were two distinctive sections of society in the Old Testament period, both carrying their unique religious backgrounds and hence were hostile to each other. So it was unthinkable in those days to have somebody of Jewish origin bringing salvation to the Jews and Gentiles together.
We see in Eph. 2:14-17 "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.” Hence, we see that this mission as outlined in those chapters in Isaiah has been fulfilled through the cross of Calvary. Jesus said while on the cross said: "It is finished!" (John 19:30).
What is the relevance of this for us today?- We are the carriers of this glorious truth- God has called and separated us to be vessels of honor to carry this glorious, liberating and life-giving truth to all those who have not yet experienced it. As we read in the same verse, we see this, "...that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
Jesus said in His parting statement to His disciples: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matt. 28:18-20) As servants of the Servant King, it is our duty in serving others, to carry out this glorious truth. This truth really brings out the greatest miracle upon earth-salvation to souls. This liberating truth makes a person a new creation in Jesus Christ. Hence the Apostle Paul says he is not ashamed about this truth as it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16).
So let us earnestly work together to accomplish this mission to bring this salvation to the ends of the earth-the greatest mission upon this universe! Let us humbly submit our lives to the hands of the Almighty for this cause.
Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, we are available to carry Your glory to the ends of the earth. May Your presence with us accomplish this mission for Your glory. Amen
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