Picture your life in your mother’s womb. Cozy. Warm. Safe. Do you find it hard to remember? Most people have no conscious memory of that time of their life. I certainly don’t. But during those formative months, God had his hand on you. Let that sink in just a bit.
It’s pretty clear this passage is speaking about the commissioning of Jesus, the Lord’s Servant. Yet, doesn’t it open up for us the realization of how God actively planned our purpose as well? Long before we could walk or talk we were destined to be servants of God. We’re all wired to serve God in the way he has gifted us.
In Isaiah’s words, do you also see a reflection of yourself? Have you ever asked God, “Why am I here?” Have you ever felt like you are just going through the motions and know there must be something more to life than this? It’s clear from our text we are not alone. “I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.”
Brilliant. There’s some wisdom we can cling to. “I will trust God for my reward.” So many people are so concerned with chasing their next big break or taking advantage of this best-ever opportunity. What does God say about that? Was that path part of his plan for life? Do we stop to take God’s perspective into account? I know for a lot of my life that was the last thing on my mind. But for the last twenty something years, I have been much more aware of God’s moving in my life, and I want to make sure I am making decisions that are drawing me closer to him rather than farther away due to my own ambition.
I love the picture we see here of God commissioning his son. “The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength. He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” What an assignment that is! But God also equips us with what we need to live the life we are called to live.
We have a similar calling, having been commissioned by Jesus himself. While we aren’t the “original” disciples, we are no less called to be witnesses to Jesus’ saving grace. We have our own part in bringing God’s “salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Matthew 28:18-20 reads, “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Consider yourself commissioned!
Let’s pray … Lord, I often feel a bit lost and ask for you to show me the way you want for me to go. Thank you that you have equipped me for such a time as this. I pray that my life can be a shining light for those who are trying to find you. Draw me closer to you each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
