Today's Reading: Isaiah 49:1-7

Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 38:1-23; Romans 7:1-20

he says:

“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant

    to raise up the tribes of Jacob

    and to bring back the preserved of Israel;

I will make you as a light for the nations,

    that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In the second “servant song” in Isaiah, the Lord speaks about His servant to come.  In verse 3, the Lord says, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” It is impressive to be the Lord’s servant, and it is a big deal that God will be glorified in this servant.  But this servant isn't just a run of the mill hero or world leader.  The servant is ultimately fulfilled not in any human governor nor in the people of Israel but in Jesus.  Jesus doesn’t just lift up the tribes of Jacob and the people of Israel.  Jesus, God in the flesh, brings salvation not only for the people of Israel but for all people.  He is the light of the nations and brings salvation to the end of the earth.  This is the same Jesus who declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)  It is Jesus who was called forth from His mother and worshiped by Gentile Magi because He is their Savior, too.  

Jesus has come so all people, Jewish and Gentile alike, know the salvation of God.  God isn’t the Creator of only some, nor is He the Redeemer of only a few.  The Lord loves all people, just as Jesus died for all people.  He calls all people to repent and confess the holy name of Jesus.  Those who repent and believe are those who will be saved. When in Luke 13, someone asked Jesus if those who would be saved were few.  Instead of answering with a simple, “No,” Jesus calls His disciples to focus on their own faith and on His work for them.  Jesus is the Savior of all, yes, but He is your Savior.  Not only is He the glory of Israel and the Light of the Gentiles, but He is your Lord as well.  He came to shed His precious blood for you and to rescue you from sin, death, and the devil. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

This is the Savior of the world,  The Gentiles’ promised light,  God’s glory dwelling in our midst,   

The joy of Israel.  (Lutheran Service Book 937, stanza 2)

-Pastor Peter W. Ill is Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Millstadt, Illinois.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.