November 28
Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.
Isaiah 49:1 (ESV)
One of the big questions of life revolves around discovering our calling. Growing up, we were asked questions like “What do you want to be when you grow up?” or “What are your plans after you graduate?” If you had asked me as a child what I was called to be when I grew up, I would have said either a zookeeper or a tank driver. I did not end up doing either of these—even though some days I feel like I work at a zoo and some days feel like a battle. I can now see the Lord guiding my steps and calling me for His work. I can confidently say that the Lord has a calling for your life too. We’re not random accidents but are called for a God-glorifying purpose.
Our passage talks about a Servant who was also called. Isaiah 49:1-13 is the second of four Servant songs in Isaiah (Isaiah 42:1-9; 49:1-13; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12). In Isaiah 40–48, it is revealed the Lord would rescue Israel from their Babylonian Exile. However, there was another (and more important) spiritual rescue Israel needed—rescue from their sins. Isaiah 49-55 paints a picture of a future Servant who would bring this salvation.
We hear from this Servant Himself in Isaiah 49 as he paints an image of His own calling. The announcement of His calling was to the entire world (“coastlands” and “peoples from afar”). And His calling was never in doubt since he was called “from the womb.” As we continue in Isaiah 49 (it is well worth reading the entire chapter), the Servant tells us He was empowered to redeem His people and to be a light to the nations.
Of course, this Servant is Jesus. As the Charles Wesley Christmas hymn proclaims:
Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee:
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the saints Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
This Christmas, remember we are servants of this Servant and called to proclaim His glorious good news to the world.