C3: Mission Refresh: Nations Isaiah 49 is the second of four passages focused on the figure of the Servant of Yahweh, often called Servant Songs. While the ‘servant” references in chapters 40-48 refer mainly to Israel as a nation, the remaining referencess in chapters 49-55 seem to focus on an individual Servant with a mission to save Israel. The Servant Songs are full of messianic imagery-the Servant suffers and dies on behalf of Israel. Uniquely, chapter 49 highlights the Servant’s call and commission by God to save Israel and be a light to the nations. Matthew 12:17-21 references the Isaiah passage and shows how Jesus is the Messiah that was spoken of 700 years prior. Verse 18 says, “I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. This was a scandalous statement because the Jews thought that the Messiah was meant only for them. Fortunately, Jesus came for the ethnos, the nations, and He came to save all of us! In Matthew 12:19-20, we see Jesus’ character as humble and gentle. It says, “a bruised reed he will not break”. A reed might be used as a flute, a measuring rod, a pen, or other ways. Reeds grew plentiful and were cheap. It was considered a “commonplace insignificance”. The natural thing was to discard an imperfect reed and replace it with a better one. But the Jesus does not discard those who can be likened to shattered reeds, earth’s “broken” ones. They are who He came for too. Verse 21 says, “and in His name the Gentiles will hope”. Hope in Hebrew is “Tikvah”. Tikvah means “a stretched out cord or rope.” So, hope is a rope. Hope is not wishful thinking, but hope is rooted in someone. Hope waits in tension, but does not break. Joshua 2:21 says, “And se said, “Let it be according to your words.” And she sent them away, and they went. And she bound the scarlet cord (tikvah) in the window.” Why do we need to “go to the nations”? Jesus told us to – Matthew 28:19-20 We believe the gospel – Everyone deserves a chance to hear about Jesus. Nations are not numbers, they are names – we move towards people Practically, we all must: Pray for the unreached Give to support projects and missionaries Go when we are prompted to by the Holy Spirit Questions to Consider: Do you think about the nations? Which ones? Why? Ask the Holy Spirit to put a nation on your heart and begin to pray for that group of people. Look at our partnerships here, and pick one to learn more about. Do something with that knowledge.