The Success of the Servant

“Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.” Isaiah 52:13

August 24, 2022

Standing on the Florida shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean for the first time was an experience never to be forgotten. I was nine years old at the time. I have never gotten over that first impression. Little did I know that it was God’s providential way of further opening up my mind to the immensity and majesty of God revealed in creation. At the same time standing on the shoreline of Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 is a comparable experience. We were told in Isaiah 42:1 to “Look at My Servant.” This we continue to do in the climactic fourth portrait of the Song of the Servant. Again we are told to look at God’s Servant. Israel suffered because of her rebellion against God. Israel needed a deliverer. It is the suffering of God’s Servant who will lead to exaltation and glory. His name is not given, but the excitement of anticipation is overwhelming. He is going to succeed. But He is going to be humiliated. He is going to be rejected. Is He a king or is He a criminal? Honored and loved but hated and despised. How can both be true? We are introduced to this enigma in 52:13-15. 

Ponder the following and then bow your head in worship and adoration. He will be a success in carrying out the will of God. He will not fail though it may appear to sin-blinded men that He was a failure. The Jewish Study Bible says, “…the reference may well be to the collective nation (or the remnant).” No. The Servant is Jesus Christ! This is not Israel. Looking to 53:8, “He” was crushed “for the transgression of my people.” Jesus was no failure in His sacrifice for our sins. In that we can rejoice. H

Meditate and pray: “Thank you, dear God, for what is the greatest prophecy of the Bible. May I come to adore and love your Servant, Jesus Christ, more than ever.”