April 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Isaiah 49:1-7 (NRSV) The servant brings salvation to earth's ends  Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified." But I said, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God." And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength he says, "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, "Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."  Reflection The second 'Servant Song' is displayed in this passage. A Servant so innocent he doesn't even display regret for past or present sins. A Servant focused on saving his people. A Servant called to a specific action even prior to birth. A Servant who has served a rough calling. A calling to battle with evil forces. This is a Servant that depends on God's strength and might. This is a Servant that is a light to the world. This is a Servant that not only saves Israel but saves all creation. This is Jesus. Thanks be to God! Prayer Father, I give you all the praise and thanksgiving that I can muster for giving your Son to save not only me but all creation. I give you thanks for Jesus' life, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection. Show me the way to serve those you give to me this day as a servant. --- Amen