The Lord’s Chosen Servant — Part 4: 01/11/2024

Broadcast

                  The Lord's Chosen Servant - Part 4
                             Isaiah 42:5-7
                              01/11/2024


        5    Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens
             and stretched them out, who spread out the earth
             and what comes from it, who gives breath to the
             people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:
        6    ``I am the LORD; I have called you in
             righteousness; I will take you by the hand and
             keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the
             people, a light for the nations,
        7    to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the
             prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those
             who sit in darkness.''  (ESV)

        God the Father said ``This is my beloved Son in whom I am
   well pleased,''3 when Jesus stepped out of the water after being
   baptized by John.  We believe, teach, and confess that the Father
   sent His Son to take upon Himself the sins of all people.

        Isaiah confessed that the Father, the LORD and creator of
   heaven and earth, willingly gave His Son for our salvation.
        Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and
        stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what
        comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and
        spirit to those who walk in it: ``I am the LORD; I have
        called you in righteousness; I will take you by the
        hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for
        the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes
        that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the
        dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.''


        As we read and hear the words of the prophet Isaiah, we come
   to know that God, out of His grace and mercy, created the heavens
   and the earth.  Because we are created and not the product of
   random chance, we have the desire and ability to serve our
   neighbor, to work for the good of others.  Yet, because we have
   sinned, we don't always act according to our beliefs.

        May our heavenly Father grant us the desire to recognize Him
   as our Creator, and give us the desire to live according to His
   will.  Amen.

   ____________________

   3. Matthew 3:17