Isaiah 49:5-7 | Luke 2:25-35
Reading Isaiah during Advent: Isaiah 48-50
The Suffering Servant is a major feature in Isaiah. There are four major “songs” dedicated to the suffering servant in Isaiah 42, 49, 50, & 52-53. These songs describe a servant of the Lord who demonstrates selflessness and dedication to God and Israel, chosen by God to bring salvation beyond Israel to the whole world. The servant will suffer for the service, but ultimately bring about redemption and healing. Propositions as to who the servant is include it simply being an individual or serving as an image for Israel as a whole. Of course, Christian theology generally declares that Jesus is the suffering servant. He certainly fulfills the nature of the role.
If we can weed through the preference for prophetic fulfillment, the nature of the suffering servant is what is really powerful, here. The servant’s role presents a different kind of hero. This isn’t simply a powerful military leader who will conquer Israel’s enemies, but who will righteously stand in place and take the brunt of suffering on behalf of the whole. The atonement overtones are hard to ignore, particularly in Isaiah 52-53 - “by his stripes we are healed.”
The suffering servant provides quite an image. While called out of Israel, the role is for the whole world - a light to the nations (all peoples). To suffer for the sake of the world is to take a particular posture, not of dominance, but of sacrifice.
Isaiah 49:5-7
And now the Lord has decided—
the one who formed me from the womb as his servant—
to restore Jacob to God,
so that Israel might return to him.
Moreover, I’m honored in the Lord’s eyes;
my God has become my strength.
He said: It is not enough, since you are my servant,
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to bring back the survivors of Israel.
Hence, I will also appoint you as light to the nations
so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.
The Lord, redeemer of Israel and its holy one,
says to one despised,
rejected by nations,
to the slave of rulers:
Kings will see and stand up;
commanders will bow down
on account of the Lord, who is faithful,
the holy one of Israel,
who has chosen you.
Luke 2:25-35
A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,
“Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word,
because my eyes have seen your salvation.
You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.
It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and a glory for your people Israel.”
His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”
Prayer
God,
Thank you for a new day. I want to live today for the world, or at least, for the little corner in which I have a pittance influence. So help me, God.
Frankly, Lord, the world continues to call me to particular ways of success. I’m supposed to ignore the weak and latch on to the strong. But you continue to call me otherwise. So help me, God.
Give me eyes and ears to receive those in need, a heart and mind to understand the situation, and hands and feet to do something about it.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.