walking in darkness?

Isaiah 9:1-4
3rd Sunday of Epiphany
For January 27, 2008

Gloom may seem to come easily today with the stock market engaging the January temperature in a power dive of red. If you are reading this in the southern hemisphere... well... you probably aren't.

Yet our gloom is nothing compared to the gloom being felt by Israel in Isaiah chapter 9. The reference in v. 1 to Zebulun and Naphtali looks back on when these lands of the northern kingdom of Israel were the first to fall to the Assyrians in 733/732 B.C. For these lost lands Isaiah has some good news: the first lands to fall will be the first ones to see someone called the Prince of Peace. In other words, things may seem bad, but God has not forgotten you.

What Isaiah prophesied actually came true. Zebulun and Naphtali were part of a region called Galilee. This is precisely where Jesus began his ministry. Thus the gospel writer Matthew quotes Isaiah 9:1,2 in Matt. 4:15,16. He connected the dots: Jesus' ministry in Galilee was the fulfillment of Isaiah chapter 9.

Despite the fact that as believers we too have seen a great light we continue to walk in a land marred by the darkness of sin. Yet already the light we have seen has had a profoundly transforming effect on our own lives, our churches, and even our countries.

Isaiah makes one more historical reference in v. 4 which serves as a profound challenge for us to move forward in hope and faith: "For as in the days of Midian you have shattered the yoke that burdened them." The person who defeated Midian was a man named Gideon, who did it with only 300 men. Think about the potential significance of each of our own circles of influence to accomplish God's kingdom purpose today. In this season of Epiphany, may this be an epiphany for each of us.

The Servant of the Lord is... who?

Alexander Ivanov. The Appearance of Christ to the People.

(Detail) 1837-1857. Oil on canvas. The Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia.

Isaiah 49:1-7
For Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Baptism of the Lord

This passage talks about someone incredible whom the Lord mentioned before he (or she) was born, whose mouth is a sharp sword, and who is hidden as a special arrow in the Lord's quiver.

Could this be Israel? Yes, as v. 3 makes clear: "You are my servant, Israel." But... the Servant can't merely be Israel, for the Servant has a ministry to Israel (v. 5): "to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself." Well, okay then, the Servant must be Jesus. Yes but... in Acts 13:47 Paul and Barnabas, preaching in Pisidian Antioch, apply Isaiah 49:6 to themselves.

So the Servant is not just Israel, and not just Jesus, but also Jesus' apostles. Could this extend even further, not only to Christ's apostles, but to his followers? Who are Jesus' followers? The church. In what is the church to be presently engaged? To bring salvation to the ends of the earth (Isa. 49:6).

Now then, if the Servant will bring salvation to the ends of the earth, and this same end is the mission of the church, who ultimately is the Servant of the Lord? I submit to you the Servant of the Lord is us. What special people God has made us to be. What greater joy could there then be than to give all of ourselves to the destiny marked out for us.

Lord, how would you have me serve today? What is the next step of faith you are calling me to take in solidarity with the glorious Son sitting at your right hand? Thank you that along with him, and along with your people Israel, you would deign to call me your Servant.