Servant Songs

Much of the writing of the prophet Isaiah points specifically and prophetically to the coming of the Messiah. All of these Messianic prophecies are completely fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Included in Isaiah’s mammoth and majestic book are four passages referred to as “Servant Songs” (42:1-9; 49:1-7; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12). The Messiah would know who he was, what his mission would be, how that would be accomplished, and he would fulfill it completely. Upon reading these passages, certain truths emerge.

The Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are actively involved in the promise and the provision of redemption/salvation. The Father, taking great delight in the Son, sends Him on mission, via the incarnation, with the Spirit upon Him. The Son is submissive, obedient, and faithful to the will of His Father, and He will not falter in his objective. The anointed one, Jesus Christ, set His face like a flint, with complete confidence of completion. He is the Messiah, the covenant keeper, the One who opens blind eyes and frees the captives. He has an instructed tongue with words for the weary. He is a polished arrow taken from the quiver of divine providence to reach its intended target with exact precision.

The Servant/Son is fully acquainted with grief, rejection, and oppression. He endures humiliating treatment throughout His life and ultimately in His cruel death on the cross. He is the submissive and satisfactory sacrifice meeting the demands of God’s justice. Righteousness is then imputed to those the Father has given to Him. This entire transaction is sealed and guaranteed by His triumphant resurrection from the dead.

This Messiah will bring salvation and deliverance not only to the Jews, but to the Gentiles as well. He will bring salvation to the ends of the earth. He will bring peace and justice to all nations. All kings and rulers will bow to Him.

As a result of His ascension, Jesus Christ is in the presence of the Father making intercession for the beloved ones that the Father has given to Him. He prays with importunity that believers, through the work and power of the Holy Spirit, will participate in propagating the good news of His kingdom to the whole world.