1. The Servant of the Lord (1-7)

This passage looks forward to the Messiah (Rev 1:16). The Lord's servant teaches God's word. God's word is a sharp sword (Heb 4:12;Eph 6:17). The servant of the Lord must be like a polished arrow, well-trained and ready for the Lord's use. The Lord calls his servant to restore and bless his own people--and to be a light for the Gentiles. God wants all the people of the earth to be saved. His servants must be missionaries.

2. A covenant for the people (8-26)

God's servant is the Messiah. He is the embodiment of God's covenant with his people (8b). He represents God's unfailing faithfulness to keep his promises. No matter how broken and desolate his people become, God does not forget them. They are engraved on the palms of his hands. He fulfilled his promises when he sent Jesus to be the Savior of the world. All mankind will know that God is the Savior.

Application: Lord, train me until I am useful to you; use me as a servant of your word.
One Word: My mouth, a sharpened sword