Monday, January 23, 2017
Isaiah 49:1 ,3 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name ... He said to me, "You are my servant."
HE KNEW WHAT HE WOULD BE FROM THE START
What's interesting about this text from Isaiah is that he draws back the curtain, as it were, on the windows of heaven. He takes us back into eternity and provides an opportunity for us to listen in on a conversation which the first and second persons of the Triune God are having. We hear God the Son say: "Listen up everyone! Perk up your ears to what I am about to say! Long before the memorable trip which Joseph and Mary took down to Bethlehem. Long before the angel's birth announcement to the shepherds. Long before the Baby in a manger asleep on the hay My Father chose Me to be His Servant. He told Me: 'It's time to have compassion, Son! Go, bright Jewel of My crown! Bring to man salvation. Set him free from sin and sorrow. Slay bitter death for him so that he may live with You forever.'"
Sometimes as children grow up they wonder what they will do with their lives. Even after they choose a particular career path-- be it teacher, veterinarian, nurse, computer geek-- they may change their minds. Not so, Jesus! He knew from the "get-go," before the world was here, that He was going to be the Servant of His heavenly Father. Our Servant. Our Redeemer from sin, death, and hell. He wouldn't veer from His chosen "career path" even a little! As the hour drew near for Him to lay down His life for our sins and win heaven for us, He declared: "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour."
How blessed we are to have such a determined, loving Savior!
