Bringing Light to The Gentiles

Two Ladies were sharing lunch together when one said to the other: “I don’t know many Christians, but somehow I can’t help regarding them as hypocrites.” Said the other, “But your sister-in-law, she lives in the same house with you; surely you must acknowledg … More

Mission

Before the servant, Jesus Christ was born, God had chosen Him to bring the message of salvation to the whole world (Acts 13:47). In this passage we can see Him bringing light in the darkness (vv 1-7), and liberty to the captives (vv 8-13). He came as a Servant and a Warrior. He came to serve those who trust Him and to bring judgment on those who resist Him. The distant nations are to benefit from His work; so He calls them to listen (v. 1). His message is like a pointed arrow or sharp sword to be brought out at the appropriate time (v. 2). Israel is presented as a blind servant of the Lord (v. 3). In the closing days of Jesus ministry, the large crowds of Galilean days are no longer with Him and the religious leaders are plotting His death but God will reward Him (v. 4).

Our Lord could not minister to the Gentiles until first He ministered to the Jews (vv 5-6). We must never forget that salvation is of the Jews (John 4:22). The Bible is a Jewish book, the first believers and missionaries were Jews, and the Gentiles would have never heard the Gospel had it not been for the Jews who brought it to them. The Lord is going to rescue His people (v. 7). The Lord says He will answer your prayers by coming to save you (v. 8). In this land you will find good, water, and shelter (v. 9). Moses led the Jewish nation out of bondage in Egypt, and God will lead His people out of captivity in Babylon. We look beyond the deliverance from Babylon in 536 BC toward the future kingdom that will be established on the earth (vv. 10-12). He says to tell the heavens to celebrate and the mountains to join in song (v. 13). The people have suffered but He gives comfort.

Application

Like Israel, my mission today is to take the Good News to the ends of the earth. I cannot do the job by myself but must seek to get others involved with me.

Isaiah 49:1-13 (English Standard Version)


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