As you read the last half of Isaiah (chapters 40-66), it will be helpful to regularly review the attached chapter division document. 

The LORD's servant Cyrus rescues from Babylon

The first nine-chapter section of the second half of Isaiah (Isaiah 40-48) focused on rescue from Babylon. The main character is Cyrus. This section closed with the promise of the LORD’s chosen ally (Cyrus, king of Persia) who would destroy Babylon and bring the Israelites back home (Isaiah 48:14-15).

The LORD's Servant who rescues from guilt and death

Beginning with today’s reading, the focus of rescue changes. Babylon is not mentioned again in the last 18 chapters of Isaiah. Another servant of the LORD is introduced who will rescue God’s people.  

Read Isaiah 49-51 by clicking hree.  

The focus shifts from Jerusalem being rescued from the Babylonians to God's Church, the New Testament Zion or Jerusalem, being rescued from sin and judgment.

But who is this servant who will accomplish this rescue?

That was the question of the Ethiopian eunuch, "Who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” (Acts 8:26-35). It becomes clearer in the very center verses of Isaiah 49-57... the One who was our Substitute in death and rose victorious. 

The Servant of the LORD and we as servants of the LORD

This morning, as I reread these sections, I remembered my baptism in which I am clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:26-27). God the Father looks at each of us, his baptized children, and sees us as little Christs: not only perfectly forgiven, but then also given the call to join with Christ Jesus in his mission.

With that thought in mind, read over that Suffering Servant section (Isaiah 49:1-7) again.

What in these passages is not only true of Jesus, but also fulfilled in us who are “little Christs” who follow in Jesus’ footsteps?

What comfort there is to think that God will also display his splendor in us, that he will use us to be a light for the Gentiles. The LORD is speaking first of the Messiah, and through faith in him, we see ourselves in some aspects of these prophecies. 

Peter reminds us we are suffering servants for Jesus' sake.

Read 1 Peter 4 by clicking here.

There is comfort and challenge of being “little Christs. The Apostle Peter reminds us that in this life we shall suffer with Christ, confident that glory awaits us: "Since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude" (1 Peter 4:1). 

Prayer

Father, send us your Holy Spirit that we might walk in the footsteps of the Savior who has rescued us from the destruction and exile of sin and death.

Help us to be a gospel light to those around us.

Keep us from getting discouraged when we don’t see the gospel victories that we want to see.

Give us confidence that you will gather your people to yourself, that your Church will prosper and flourish as you have foretold.

Help us, Father, to “no longer live for evil human desires (that continue to rise in our hearts), but rather for the will of God.” Amen.

Through the Bible Study beginning this week

Below is an email that I sent to about 50 people who have registered for the Through the Bible study. All are welcome to join us and invite a friend. There is room for more in all three studies.

We will begin Monday, September 28 at 6:30 pm in the Garage classroom off the Commons. My goal will always to be done with the study in an hour. I'll stay after to answer people's questions.

The same study will be offered on Wednesday, September 30 at 9:30 am in the Garage Classroom.

You can switch back and forth between Monday evening or Wednesday morning, but to help make the group more cohesive, it would be best if you tried to always attend the same one.

The same study will be offered online on Wednesday, September 30 at 6:30 pm.

I've made this one big email group so that anyone who couldn't make it in person can join online.

Please save this link - it is a recurring meeting on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82746363558?pwd=AJupwFK5gxtLbpICkB8WCOXbwAu5hS.1

You can also just click here.

The online study will be recorded and will be available for viewing the next morning on my YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@peterpanitzke9418

Please bring along

• a three ring binder
• your Bible,
• a pen and
• a highlighter.

I'll have a few of all of the above so if you don't have one, don't worry!

Prepare for this first week by reading Genesis 1-3.