Isaiah 42:1-9 (NRSV)
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Chapter 42Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. Verse 2He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; Verse 3a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. Verse 4He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
Verse 5Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: Verse 6I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, Verse 7to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. Verse 8I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. Verse 9See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.
Devotion
Perhaps when we think of God’s “justice” we think BIG. Why not? There are passages that talk about justice rolling down like waters, prisoners being freed, and nations under judgment. And this is true. But today we’re also asked to notice and participate in the gentle side of God’s justice. God’s servant, anointed with the Spirit comes quietly, softly. The servant comes to bring justice to the small things, the bruised reeds and the dimly flickering wicks. Taking the servant by the hand, God moves in small, patient and faithful ways to bring forth the justice of the earth.
Prayer
God, who created the heavens and earth, who gives breath and spirit to your creation, hold us, keep us, and help us in quiet ways to reflect your great justice. Amen.