The Messiah’s Work
Early this morning, I traveled to Lakewood to see grandson Caedmon play his final flag football game and Riley a baseball game. I then returned to Berthoud for a special community celebration that was taking place. After returning home and getting some rest, I will head back to Denver for an event with a Congressional candidate.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “This is My Servant; I strengthen Him, this is My Chosen One; I delight in Him. I have put My Spirit on Him; He will bring justice to the nations. He will not cry out or shout or make His voice heard in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick; He will faithfully bring justice. He will not grow weak or be discouraged until He has established justice on earth…” Isaiah 42:1-4 HCSB
For the Jew references such as the verses above are applied to Israel; but we know that they are in reference to the work of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Hundreds of years before He appeared on the shores of the Jordan to be baptized by John, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the character and work of the Lord’s “chosen servant.”
Matthew 12:15-21 contains the reference to Jesus fulfilling these words of Isaiah. Interestingly, the comment comes right after Jesus performs miracles of healing and then tells the crowd not to tell others about Him. That is a far cry from what which we would see with anyone else in any other time.
Jesus’ words were part of the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy because, “He will not cry out or make His voice heard in the streets.” John the Baptist was a “voice crying out.” In contrast, Jesus went about His work in a different fashion. The crowds followed Him, but not because of self-promotion or a desire to gain a following.
As I read these verses, the word “justice” comes to my attention. Perhaps that is due to the fact that recently I participated in a webinar with two other Christian leaders from law and policy on the topic of “What is Justice?” Sosamma Samuel-Burnett, is the Director of G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice; an organization that promotes Biblical justice in various arenas of our culture and world. (check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QirrcEQqSQo and www.globaljusticeonline.org )
Isaiah declares of the Messiah, “He will bring justice to the nations.” When we look at issues around the word regarding human rights, then need to protect the dignity of people and the appalling actions of governments, the realities can be staggering. However, when we it comes to “global” justice we see it being fulfilled in the work of Christ. When He comes and rules the nations, the nations will governed by justice: That which is right, that which is in accordance with the “law of Christ” will govern the actions and affairs of peoples. The dignity and rights of all people will be upheld.
The next reference to justice is found in the words, “He will not break a bruised reed, and He will not put out a smoldering wick; He will faithfully bring justice.” I consider this an application to individual situations. We can obverse justice for nations and justice for individuals. Jesus sees in others what others or even individuals themselves do not see. In Christ there is hope for the wounded. There is life when it seems usefulness has been extinguished. In justice the Messiah restores and fans into flame, life, dignity and value.
Finally we read, “He will not grow weak or be discouraged until He has established justice on earth…” How important is justice to Christ? He is committed to staying at the task and not becoming discouraged or giving up. If that is the case, when we commit to promoting Christ-centered, Biblical justice we find ourselves in partnership with the work of Christ the Messiah. It is not just a “hot-button” issue or a current “fad.” It is at the heart of God and it is critical to the final work of Christ our King.
Prayer for today… “Lord thank You for Your work in my life and in our world. As I consider how important justice is to You, I realize my need to see my world through Your eyes. Help me to be used of you to fulfill your task of “establishing justice on earth.”