DAILY BIBLE READING July 28th, 2020 ISAIAH 42:1-17 (GNT)

God’s Life-Giving Word of Promise

INTRODUCTION

Isaiah 42:1-17: Verses 1-4 comprise the first of four “Servant Songs” in the book of Isaiah (see also 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13—53:12). In this passage, the servant is described as one whom God chose to see that justice is done on earth. The reading concludes with a reference to light as providing an image of God’s saving power.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 42:8

“I alone am the LORD your God. No other god may share my glory; I will not let idols share my praise.”

TODAY'S READING

The Lord's Servant

1 The Lord says,

“Here is my servant, whom I strengthen—

the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased.

I have filled him with my Spirit,

and he will bring justice to every nation.

2He will not shout or raise his voice

or make loud speeches in the streets.

3He will not break off a bent reed

nor put out a flickering lamp.

He will bring lasting justice to all.

4He will not lose hope or courage;

he will establish justice on the earth.

Distant lands eagerly wait for his teaching.”

5 God created the heavens and stretched them out;

he fashioned the earth and all that lives there;

he gave life and breath to all its people.

And now the Lord God says to his servant,

6 “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.

7You will open the eyes of the blind

and set free those who sit in dark prisons.

8“I alone am the Lord your God.

No other god may share my glory;

I will not let idols share my praise.

9The things I predicted have now come true.

Now I will tell you of new things

even before they begin to happen.”

A Song of Praise

10Sing a new song to the Lord;

sing his praise, all the world!

Praise him, you that sail the sea;

praise him, all creatures of the sea!

Sing, distant lands and all who live there!

11Let the desert and its towns praise God;

let the people of Kedar praise him!

Let those who live in the city of Sela

shout for joy from the tops of the mountains!

12Let those who live in distant lands

give praise and glory to the Lord!

13The Lord goes out to fight like a warrior;

he is ready and eager for battle.

He gives a war cry, a battle shout;

he shows his power against his enemies.

God Promises to Help His People

14God says,

“For a long time I kept silent;

I did not answer my people.

But now the time to act has come;

I cry out like a woman in labor.

15I will destroy the hills and mountains

and dry up the grass and trees.

I will turn the river valleys into deserts

and dry up the pools of water.

16“I will lead my blind people

by roads they have never traveled.

I will turn their darkness into light

and make rough country smooth before them.

These are my promises,

and I will keep them without fail.

17All who trust in idols,

who call images their gods,

will be humiliated and disgraced.”

REFLECT

Some scholars think that the servant mentioned in this passage is a reference to the people of Israel. Others think it might have been to a ruler such as the one mentioned in Isaiah 9:6, 7 and 11:1-5. Still others understand this passage as describing the life of God’s promised messiah. The task of the servant was to “bring justice to every nation” (verse 1). How is the role of the servant described? Who are today’s “servants”?

PRAY

Holy God, source of all light and truth, light my path that I may see the way to be a servant in your work of redemption, truth, and justice. Guide me today. Amen.

PRAYER CONCERN

Those working for social justice