O n e of th e wonderful proofs of the accuracy of the Word of God is the way in which the work of the Church, recorded for us in the New Testament, is prophesied in the Old Testament. The Gospel of grace has been in the mind of God from eternity. In Isaiah 42:1 we read these inter esting words, “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.” The word “Judgment” in our English text is some what misleading. We think of it in a judicial aspect as though God is about to punish the Gentiles. Actually, how ever, the context in which it occurs, has a much larger meaning. It would be better rendered “justice.” The pro phecy refers to the Lord’s bringing His righteousness and salvation to the Gen tile nations. It is further interesting to note the Agent who will bring it all about. Christ is referred to as “My servant,” “whom I support,” “mine elect,” “in whom My soul delighteth,” “I have put My spirit upon Him.” In the New Testament, of course, we discover all of these attributes refer to our Lord Jesus Christ.'In Matthew 12:18 and 21 our Lord Jesus confirms the prophecy of Isaiah. “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen: my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles.” “And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.” The Lord Jesus Christ definitely identifies himself with the One who is spoken of in Isaiah 42. All of which echoes the “Golden text” of the Bible, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). In additional confirmation there is the song of Simeon recorded in Luke 2:29-
32. “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy peo ple Israel.” Simeon envisioned the coming of the Lord Jesus to have two benefits. First, as far as the Gentiles were concerned, the second, as far as Israel was con cerned. Through the church today, the Lord is dealing with men as men. He is not dealing with them as Jews or Gentiles. He is dealing with them as sinners who need a Saviour. In a fu ture day God will deal with Israel as a nation. They have been set aside for the moment. But Israel is still God’s glory. Thus, it is out task as a church to bear witness to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ as we declare His word and saving faith in and through Him. Our purpose is that many may come to know Him as Redeemer. All of this is not to be done by im position or force, but by a consistent Christian life. When the Word goes forth in a dedicated life God accom panies the testimony in a miraculous power. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Since Christ has gone back to heaven we must extend His ministry as His ser vants, His elect, and His beloved. We are upheld by His hand and not only have the Spirit upon us, but also have the Spirit dwelling within us, This is our holy privilege and divine respon- sibilty. We are living in a world which changes rapidly from day to day. It is an age when men are overcome by hopelessness and fear. We can go forth providing the only cure. May we be faithful to the testimony and in the assurance that Christ has a peace which comes as a result of declaring His Word to the many who know Him not. 19
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