We are happy to welcome ministry-focused college and seminary students from around the country to write in June of 2020 for The Park Forum. Each of them is pursuing a career in ministry and received free coaching on their writing as a part of the program. For more information about the program and a profile of each of our student writers, visit our Student Writers Month page.
Today’s student writer is Allison Tinsely, a student at Truett Seminary.
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 42:6-7
“I, The LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”
Reflection: Seeking God’s Servant
By Allison Tinsely
This “servant song” foreshadows Christ as the Servant whom the Father will raise up for His purposes (Matthew 12.18-21). It is God’s job description for His servants, which applies both to Israel and us as believers. Christ is the perfect fulfillment of this role, and like Israel, we are called despite our disobedience.
God is identified in this chapter as a “champion” and “warrior” who does not hesitate to display His fury and might (Isaiah 42.13), but the description of God’s servant is different than would be expected of a king or worldly leader. This servant will not shout out loud to make his voice heard above the rest. This servant will not use violence against anyone (Isaiah 42.1-3). This servant will be led by God in seeking out righteous justice (Isaiah 42.3-4).
These are the tasks of God’s servant. We see that Israel comes up short, however, failing to understand their role and thus being blind to God’s will. Israel sees without truly observing and hears without listening. Despite this ignorance, they are still called. God promises to “lead the blind” down a road they have not yet known (Isaiah 42.16). God will redeem this blindness, turning darkness into light and making His pathway clear. God will be Israel’s Guide, using them for His purposes despite their sin, rebellion, and failures.
God continues to call us and pursue us throughout the present time. We are all blind, deaf, and broken in different ways, yet we are all still called to be God’s servants. God looks beyond our shortcomings and equips us for service in His Kingdom. Not only is God a strong and mighty King, but He is a King who loves us in a way that contradicts power-hungry, tyrannical leadership. Blind and hard of hearing as we may be to His ultimate purpose, God leads us and calls us to be His humble servants.
God, open our eyes and lead us in Your light. Take away our deafness and make Your message to us clear. Remind us of Your goodness and of our calling to serve You. Forgive us of our sins and look beyond our failures to use us for Your glory, for You give us a purpose in life. Let us never forget Your ultimate Servant, Christ, who redeems us in order that we may know You. Amen.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence
O God of hosts, show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. — Psalm 80.7
– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle
Today’s Readings
Isaiah 42 (Listen – 4:11)
Revelation 12 (Listen – 2:58)
Read more about Sight for the Blind
It is not until we recognize that we are blind and experience Christ’s healing touch, that we can see.
Read more about Servants in the Age of Showboats
Truthfully, our emperors have no clothes. They think they are rich, but they are poor, blind, and naked.
