Reading: Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth. Isaiah 42:1

Isaiah is best known as the prophet who spoke of Christ as the Man of Sorrows. He presented Christ as the perfect sacrifice for sin. He also presented Him as God’s perfect servant, the one chosen by the Father to accomplish the work of redemption. This work was far beyond the capability of any other; Christ alone could do it.

Having received this great commission Christ came forth as the perfect servant. He set aside the glory and joy that were before Him and came into this world of woe. He was willing to be obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. He went about His special work with joyful anticipation of its success. He did not turn back but declared, “I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49) and “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is yet day: for the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). He was fervent in spirit and redeemed the time. Although the work His Father had given Him to do involved unimaginable sufferings and shame, Christ fully set Himself to go to Calvary. Like Caleb in the Old Testament He wholly followed the Lord. In all of His work, His Father upheld Him, and at the appointed time Christ cried, “It is finished.” He had not turned back but had completely offered Himself without spot unto God.

Although many in Scripture are described as servants of the Lord, there is only one perfect servant: Christ Jesus. He finished the work and is now exalted at God’s right hand. We sometimes start something that we cannot or do not complete. This is never the case with Christ. He is the perfect servant and we can rejoice in His perfect work.

Christ served so that we might be saved; we serve because we are saved. All saving merit is in His work not ours.” D. J. Clearie

Taken from A Word in Season edited by Alan Cairns, 2010. Used by permission.