God promised to deliver Israel from Babylonian captivity by means of his servant Cyrus. Now God introduces another servant, Israel's ultimate deliverer, Jesus the Messiah. He is God's chosen servant, and his ministry focuses on the word of God, which is the sword of the Holy Spirit. The servant's labor seems to be in vain, but he trusts God because his reward is with God. Jesus' messianic ministry appeared to be a failure when he was crucified. But God vindicated him by raising him to life and making him both Lord and Messiah. He completed his mission to not only bring back his people to God, but to also be ‘a light for the Gentiles'. And today, his salvation is brought to the ends of the earth through his witnesses (Lk 2:32).

God promises the restoration of Israel through his Servant with a new covenant, liberation, and satisfaction (8-12). In response, his people in Babylon should rejoice and shout for joy. Instead, they feel forsaken and doubt God's love. God assures them that just as a mother never forgets her nursing baby, he never forgets his people. They are engraved on the palms of his hands. God keeps his promises to his people to let all mankind know that he is LORD and the Savior. Those who hope in God will never be disappointed.


Application: Lord, thank you for Jesus, our light and salvation. Let me put my hope in him and share the gospel of Jesus with those in the dark.
One Word: Jesus, a light for all people on earth