The Servant Revealed

Phase 2 – Two Servants

God introduces the Servant who will bring mishpat (translated justice) the restoration of God’s order, to the nations.

Isaiah 42:1–9

“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.” Isaiah‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬ ‭

Keywords: Servant, Mishpat, Gentleness, Nations, Mission

The courtroom scene has just ended.

God has challenged the nations and their idols to explain the past or declare the future. The idols could not answer. They were silent.

Now God presents His evidence.

“Behold My Servant.”

With these words Isaiah introduces ‘The Servant’.

At first, the description is surprising. We might expect power, conquest, or political authority. But Isaiah begins with - Character.

“He will not shout or cry out. A bruised reed he will not break. A smoldering wick he will not snuff out.”

This servant does not crush weakness. He restores. The mission given to Him is enormous. Isaiah says he will bring justice to the nations.

The word Isaiah uses is mishpat, and it means much more than what we think of legal justice in our English language.

Mishpat is God’s intended order for life. It is what the world looks like when things are working the way God always designed and intended them to be.

Truth is honoured. Relationships are restored. The vulnerable are protected. Life flourishing under God’s rule.

You could think of mishpat as the restoration of wholeness. God putting things back into order. And this servant will bring that order not only to Israel, but to the nations.

Even the “coastlands”, the distant places and far-off peoples, are waiting for it. The world longs for what this servant will bring, even if it does not yet know it.

But Isaiah is very deliberate here. He introduces The Servant without fully explaining Him. The tension is intentional.

As we continue reading Isaiah we will discover that the prophet speaks about two servants. One servant is Israel, chosen and called by God.

But another Servant appears. The One who will accomplish what Israel itself cannot do.

This servant brings light.

This servant opens blind eyes.

This servant sets captives free.

For now, Isaiah simply invites us to look.

“Behold My Servant.”

The idols have nothing to say. But God is acting. And through this Servant, God will begin the work of restoring the world.

Prayer

Father God,

Thank You that You do not leave the world in darkness and disorder. Thank You that You promised a servant who would bring about Your order, Your justice, and Your light to the nations.

Open our eyes to see what You are doing. Help us to trust You and to live within the good order You intend for our lives.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.