Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
Isaiah 42 contains one of the book's four 'servant songs', which speak of the 'servant of the Lord'. In Isaiah's mind, the 'servant' was Israel, chosen by God to fulfil his purposes in the world as they lived faithfully according to his word. His prophecies, though, were fulfilled in Jesus, who perfectly did his Father's will. The thought in verse 7 about opening the eyes of the blind and setting prisoners free is repeated in chapter 61 and quoted by Jesus in Luke 4 as a description of his own ministry.
There's a wonderful promise in verse 3. The servant of God will not 'break off a bent reed or put out a flickering lamp'. This is a very rich image. It's for God's people, who are weak and who fail but are never abandoned. It's set in the context of justice: people who are bowed down because they're being treated badly won't be destroyed by what they're going through. But 'justice' is a big idea. Sometimes life is hard for us and it's no one's fault. We're bruised because life is like that – but that doesn't make it right. This is a promise that God will be with those who need him most.
And as the great fulfiller of this prophecy, Jesus showed this compassion in his own ministry. As he said in John 3.17, 'For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its saviour.'
God, help me to see you at work in my daily life. Thank you for blessing me through other people, and help me to give glory to you for what you give to me.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society’s Editor
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