Reflections on the Songs

MINISTRY RESOURCE of the Suffering Servant

Within the Book of the Song 1: 42:1-4 adversity, because he fears the Isaiah we encounter four poetic LORD, the servant walks not by sections known as the Songs In this passage, the prophet his own light but by the light of the Suffering Servant. The Isaiah presages a servant who of God. specific identity of this Servant pleases God. This servant of the Lord remains the topic shows meekness and is one who Song 4: :13 of scholarly debate. Perhaps it will never extinguish even the to :12 refers to the prophet Isaiah him- smallest, faintest light of faith. self, perhaps the entire nation of Likewise, the faith of this ser- Here the prophet proclaims the , or possibly the promised vant will never grow dim; distant “prosperity” of God’s servant, . Christian faith sees nations will await his teaching but it is not a worldly prosperity these prophetic utterances and look for the justice that he accomplished through human fulfilled in the life, ministry, brings. wisdom. “Who would believe death, and resurrection of what we have heard?” God’s the Lord. Song 2: :1-7 silent and afflicted servant prospers through a life given Because of the Christian iden- The prophet proclaims the call to God in reparation for sinners. tification of the Suffering and destiny of the servant of the Through suffering, the servant Servant with Jesus, the four Lord, who is called and chosen acquires great wealth and “off- Servant Songs become a way to reveal the light of God to the spring” before God: many are of encountering the Lord during world. justified before God, iniquity is this Lenten Season. Not only removed, wounds are healed, do they give us a sense of the Song 3: :4-11 and sinners receive an inter- commitment and endurance cessor. The servant prospers that characterized his messi- Here, the servant knows and in what is true wealth to God. anic ministry, but they become declares that his help is with a way of touching the bruised the Lord. He does not allow suf- face of the Messiah, of hearing fering to bring shame, disgrace, the resolute determination that false guilt, or condemnation. sustained him in the midst of Instead, with strength of spirit, trial, and of rejoicing with him the servant declares trust and in God’s ultimate vindication of faith in God. “The Lord GOD is his calling and service. my help . . . I shall not be put to shame.” Amidst darkness and

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Song 1 — reed” because God’s Spirit sent The ends of the earth await his The Servant of the Lord him to heal and strengthen the teaching and they will not be weak, to mend and restore the disappointed. And neither will Read :1-4 before read- hearts of all who are losing hope the recesses of our hearts that ing the following reflection and or have been cast aside by the await the warmth of his healing answering the questions below. rich and the mighty. and reconciling love.

It is the voice of God we hear The text offers even an image proudly introducing “my ser- of those who are too weak to Questions for vant . . . with whom I am well raise their heads and burn with pleased.” The painful destiny the light of faith. Because they Reflection of this Servant isn’t mentioned cling too close to the wax, dimly in this brief song. Instead, like burning wicks offer little light In what ways have you expe- a soldier outfitted for battle or and the slightest breeze will rienced in your life the gentle, an explorer prepared for mis- extinguish them. Yet even these patient love of God? sion, the Servant is extolled the Servant will not quench. He for who he is and for the cour- comes not to condemn the weak What parts of you are “bruised” age, patience, gentleness, and of heart and slow of faith but or “dimly burning?” Do these fidelity that will distinguish his to invite them into the kingdom areas distance you from God or service. Often, brave individuals of God’s justice. Through the do they open you all the more volunteer for difficult missions, Servant’s ministry, the “bruised to his merciful grace? but God’s Servant was chosen. reed” will be strengthened and The hand of God is upon him and the “dimly burning wick” will be In what ways do you see the God’s own Spirit hovers over enflamed. The Servant himself justice of God enfleshed on the him. This Servant will not be will never wane or weaken; he earth? Where is it sorely lack- an individualistic maverick get- will faithfully accomplish the ing—both in your life and within ting the job done “his way.” He will of the Lord and establish society? will be a gentle agent of God’s justice in the land. will, not shouting in the streets How might you share in the as was typical of , but Lent comes around each year ministry of God’s Servant of moving quietly and humbly to invite those of us who have healing and strengthening the among the people, distinguish- grown weak or dim to hear afresh weak and oppressed? ing the weak from the strong, God’s promise and receive anew never breaking even a “bruised the Servant’s healing touch.

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