LESSON 21

THE MISSION OF THE SERVANT

ISAIAH 50

As we continue our journey along the pathway of Scripture leading to the suffering Servant in Isaiah 53, some important facts are revealed.  Here in Isaiah 50, God the Holy Spirit through His prophet reveals that Israel’s condition was not permanent and how His servant would carry out His mission.

Isaiah 50:1-4 deals with questions as to whether Israel’s present separation from God was permanent.  Sin had led to 70 years of captivity and bondage in Babylon, but God was faithful to His Word and so placed before His people the eternal viewpoint or goal of the future.  We have already considered the Lord as a compassionate mother, a courageous warrior, and a constant lover.  Isaiah reminded his people according to the Law of Moses, that when a man put away his wife, he was obliged to give a bill of divorcement (Deut. 24). Since no such document existed, Jehovah’s marriage to Israel was still binding and was never dissolved.  The problems of the wayward nation and individuals were self-inflicted, and the result was sinful behaviors.  God will forgive when we repent, according to I John 1:9, and chasten when we rebel, (Hebrews 12:1-11).  Both Jew and Gentiles are reminded of God’s power and care when we look back to Israel’s deliverance from Egypt when He dried up the sea and His mighty works at Sinai (Exodus 19:16).

In Isaiah 50:4-11, we see the Servant of the Lord prepared for His mission.  In the third song we have a number of prophecies which Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled, proving His Messiah ship. First, He was instructed by the Lord God Himself.  This is seen in John 7:16 and John 14:24 and gives hope to the weary (Matt. 11:28).  The Servant of the Lord is our example as to obeying the voice of God and not having a rebellious heart.  The Servant suffered abuse and insults as He carried out His appointed task, fulfilled in Matt. 26:67 and Matt. 27:30.  It is good for us to keep in mind that while on the earth, our Lord Jesus Christ lived by faith and did not use His divine power but depended on the power of the Holy Spirit.  This is an example we must remember as we face the trials of life.

Verses 10 and 11 are addressed to all who fear God.  Just as the Servant ultimate source of strength is His faith and absolute trust in God so the words of Psalms 23:4 must ring in our hearts, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL.”  Isaiah 50:11 closes the chapter with a warning to the ungodly that their own sin will boomerang and bring eternal loss to the soul without God.