Isaiah 49:1-13

God's surprising servant

God promises a servant who will accomplish his salvation. The servant is to be both human and divine, both frail and invincible, both despised and honoured. His ministry will span time and space. It will reach to the furthest beaches and to the highest mountains. His ministry will be advanced by his word which will pierce with the accuracy of the most carefully targeted arrow. His ministry will embrace all peoples and summon every nation to benefit from the blessings he offers. There is only one individual in the history of humanity who fits this description—the Lord Jesus Christ. He summons us to 'listen' and to 'sing for joy' even as we 'come out' to enjoy the salvation he offers.