ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (JANUARY 22, 2012)

By Grace: A Chosen Servant
Isaiah 42:1-4;
Matthew 3:17

"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations."
(Isaiah 42:1)
Chapter 42 begins a segment of Isaiah that speaks of a coming "Servant" who will be the answer to the world's plight. His key role is to "bring justice to the nations" (v. 1). Biblical "justice" is indeed the revealed truth of God compressed into a single word. The Servant will bring the truth of God to a dying world, and He will bring justice to His people who would otherwise face the wrath of God. The Servant is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth.
When Christ went to the cross to die for His people's sins, He satisfied the justice of God that would have otherwise fallen upon us. Jesus came into this world to do the will of His Father in heaven. His Father was delighted with Him in every way (Matthew 3:17). He came in meekness, serving others, not dominating them. The "islands" of verse 4 are the many nations of the world. People from every nation have and will put their hope for eternal life in Him. The Servant will not disappoint, but will fulfill the promises of God.
INSIGHT
The justice that befell Christ should have fallen upon you and me. This is the gospel that rests on grace alone.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Genesis 37-38
Psalm 19
Matthew 27
Isaiah 42:1-4;
The LORD’s Chosen Servant
1 "Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
I have put my Spirit upon him.
He will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout
or raise his voice in public.
3 He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
4 He will not falter or lose heart
until justice prevails throughout the earth.
Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.[a]"
Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 42:4 Greek version reads And his name will be the hope of all the world. Compare Matt 12:21.
Matthew 3:17
17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy."