Isaiah 42: 1-9
The LORD says,
“Here is my servant, whom I strengthen—
the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased.
I have filled him with my Spirit,
and he will bring justice to every nation.
He will not shout or raise his voice
or make loud speeches in the streets.
He will not break off a bent reed
nor put out a flickering lamp.
He will bring lasting justice to all.
He will not lose hope or courage;
he will establish justice on the earth.
Distant lands eagerly wait for his teaching.”
God created the heavens and stretched them out;
he fashioned the earth and all that lives there;
he gave life and breath to all its people.
And now the LORD God says to his servant,
“I, the LORD, have called you and given you power
to see that justice is done on earth.
Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples;
through you I will bring light to the nations.
You will open the eyes of the blind
and set free those who sit in dark prisons.
“I alone am the LORD your God.
No other god may share my glory;
I will not let idols share my praise.
The things I predicted have now come true.
Now I will tell you of new things
even before they begin to happen.”
God speaks of a gentle, shepherding servant, who brings justice to every nation. This servant not only recognises and takes note of a ‘bent reed’ or wounded one, they will not ‘break it off’. They encourage and enliven the ‘flickering lamp’, when the world sees only that it is at its end. Their teaching will bring hope that overcomes fear, and offers courage to all those who hear it. Their message and teaching of lasting justice, will be eagerly awaited by everyone everywhere.
Through their living and being, their teaching and accomplishments, eyes will be opened to new life, and those trapped within dark spaces of oppression will be freed.
God gave life and breath to this earth and all that dwells here. Peace can only be achieved, when justice is in place. Justice can only be achieved when God’s peace is deeply embedded within each soul. God’s living, dying, rising servant offers a better, blesséd way of being. Now that is a Way I choose to follow.
Prayer – Psalm 36: 5-10
Source of life and comfort,
My voice echoes this psalm with the generations who have been,
who are here now, and who are yet to come…
Lord, your constant love reaches the heavens; your faithfulness extends to the skies. Your righteousness is towering like the mountains; your justice is like the depths of the sea. People and animals are in your care.
How precious, O God, is your constant love! We find protection under the shadow of your wings. We feast on the abundant food you provide; you let us drink from the river of your goodness.
You are the source of all life, and because of your light, we see the light.
This Easter
May we die to our old ways,
and be renewed through your Way.
Amen, Amen, Amen
© Rev Anne Hewitt 04/04/2023
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