Both human nature and worldly influence teach us to be assertive and to dominate whenever possible. We want what we want when we want it. Ancient kings boasted of their power, cruelly imposing heavy burdens on any whom they conquered. But when Jesus Christ brought God’s kingdom into the world, He took the humble position of a servant. Rather than taking advantage of His power, He disarmed His enemies with grace and gentleness. Isaiah 42 records the first of four “servant songs” in the book. In the previous chapter, the prophet used the word “servant” to describe the nation of Israel (41:8-9). But God’s servant Israel was fearful and dismayed (41:10), deaf and blind (41:18-19), sinful and complaining (41:23-24, 40:27). By contrast, here the servant of the LORD “will not grow faint or be discouraged.” God delights in Him, for He is gentle, persevering, faithfully bringing forth justice (v 1-4). This is an ideal Servant, One who embodies all that Israel failed to be. More than that, as Isaiah will also make clear, the Messiah will rescue them from their sinful state, transforming them into His own likeness. The “justice” He brings is not only legal rightness, but the restoration of human flourishing. Empowered by the Spirit, Christ will “bring forth” and “establish” all our longings for a better life in a better world, as God originally intended. Remarkably, His strategy for putting into effect God’s purposes is not pushy, violent, loud, or demanding. He is kind, humble, tender, and unselfish. Empowered by the Spirit, God’s Servant gently restores and quietly heals all kinds of broken people. We may feel as vulnerable as “a bruised reed” or “a faintly burning wick,” but Jesus will not stomp on us or snuff us out (v 1-4). Without swagger or bravado, but with all the authority that belongs to God forever, His triumph will extend throughout the whole world. Every idol will finally be discredited as the glory of God becomes known everywhere. This Messiah is “a light for the nations,” liberating us from dark dungeons of sin that we might lead new lives in Him (v 5-9). This is exciting news! It calls for a song of praise to the LORD, and all the earth is invited to join the celebration. No obstacle will stand in the way when the time comes for Christ to return and complete His redemptive work (v 10-17). God’s servant Israel stood in desperate need of this salvation. Though He led them into captivity as punishment for their sin, no one seemed to get the point. Only the ideal Servant could resolve them of their great guilt (v 18-25). For further meditation: