A Servant Song for Us

May 4, 2018

DAILY READING

Psalm 98
Isaiah 42:5-9
This weekend’s reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

FIELD NOTES

This passage of scripture from Isaiah is one of the “Servant Songs” in Isaiah. Scholars have differing opinions of who the Servant is. Some believe the Servant represents Israel; some believe it is the Messiah; and others believe the Servant can represent both.

At any rate, in this passage, the Servant is appointed by God to be “a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness” (verses 6-7, NRSV). Compare this commission with what Jesus said he had been anointed to do in Luke 4:18-21: “bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, let the oppressed go free, proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

As followers of Jesus and heirs to the words of the Old Testament prophets, we can look at these verses and see what our job description is — to be a light to those who walk in darkness, to enlighten those who are spiritually blind, and to help free those who are in any kind of bondage — physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Have you found ways you can fulfill the job description of a disciple of Jesus?
• Think of people within your sphere of influence — are there any who are suffering oppression or bondage?
• What could you do to help them find release?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Think of ways you can help a friend who is struggling in school or sports or making friends. When you help someone else, you are being a disciple of Jesus.

PRAYER GUIDE 

God of the Prophets, help us to fulfill the tasks you set for your Servant so many hundreds of years ago — to be a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. Amen.