Unfortunately, many pastors are afraid to mention giving too often, lest the congregation think that the "church just wants our money." Such fears are misplaced theologically and often reflect our cowardice in the face of the reigning idols of our day. To speak about our need to give is to emphasize that we are God's people through whom God glorifies Himself. The Corinthians' participation in the collection was not "for the church," but evidence that they were the church.
Scott Hafemann

44 GOD

44 GOD F O O T ================================

  • H O L D

READING

44 GOD’S SERVANT

PRAY Almighty Lord, make me fit for any task you have for me today.

READ Isaiah 42:1-17.

THINK What does this chapter tell us about justice and mercy?

FOCUS This chapter begins with the first of several passages in Isaiah that are called ‘Servant songs’. But who is this servant (1)? God always has his servants in the world: the nation of Israel itself could be the servant, or the prophet Isaiah or the Persian King Cyrus (see Isaiah 45:1). Of course, we can rightly describe every Christian as God’s servant. There is some doubt about who the prophet originally had in mind. However, only one person has fully served God as this passage describes – Jesus Christ. GENTLE BUT STRONG (1-4). Matthew 12:15-21 refers these verses to Jesus. What a quiet and gentle character this servant is! Notice the beautiful pictures that are painted (3). In our society the weak and powerless (‘a bent reed’, ‘a flickering lamp’) are often exploited, but not by the Servant. But however gentle his methods are, note how complete his work is. (See verses 1 and 4.) Is the clue to his success in verse 1? DARKNESS TO LIGHT (5-9). Here we have the majesty of a God who ‘created the heavens’. He is the one who, through his servant, is to bring ‘light to the nations’ and to ‘open the eyes of the blind’. What a staggering picture this is of the Creator who takes a personal interest in his people. He can use us to bring light. A SONG OF PRAISE (10-17). The prophet breaks out into a new song. He encourages even the creatures of the sea and desert to join him. And no wonder! For God promises not only to prepare the way for his people (15,16), but also to be their personal guide (16). —————————————————————-

PRAY Ask God to help you be a true and faithful servant.