The passage from Isaiah 42: 1-9, is the first of what they call “the Servant Songs” which introduces a figure called “the Servant of the Lord.” It was written during or at the end of the exilic period, (around 6 BCE) as they were coming back from Babylon. The times were tough and many were discouraged. The prophet declares the message of comfort, hope, restoration and God’s faithfulness. Isaiah declares that they needed to remain hopeful, because God had a plan for them.
In a world of despair, what is our message to the masses? What kind of news do we carry or represent? When it’s hard to believe in God, what is our message? When they were struggling, when they were feeling down and out, Isaiah was the voice of hope; he remained a promise for justice and restoration. His role was to help them weather the storm, remain resilient and engender courage.
What is our message to our world today? What do we represent to our community that is hateful, divisive, sometimes inhospitable, or any other experience? What do we say to those trying to do the right thing? What do we say to those feeling defeated? Can they count on our voice?