This Advent, we invite you to pray alongside us through the prophecy in Isaiah 42. Each week we will meditate on the fulfillment of that prophecy as recorded in the Gospels. Together we will watch and wait in hope. We have permission to linger in our waiting. There is no need to hurry. Hope comes alive in the person of Jesus – Emmanuel, God with us.
Isaiah 42:1-9 (NLT)
“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or raise his voice in public.
3 He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle.
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
4 He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth.
Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”
5 God, the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out.
He created the earth and everything in it.
He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth.
And it is he who says,
6 “I, the LORD, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness.
I will take you by the hand and guard you,
and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them.
And you will be a light to guide the nations.
7 You will open the eyes of the blind.
You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.
8 “I am the LORD; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols.
9 Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again.
I will tell you the future before it happens.”
Matthew 12:18-22 (TMG)
Look well at my handpicked servant; I love him so much, take such delight in him. I’ve placed my Spirit on him; he’ll decree justice to the nations. But he won’t yell, won’t raise is voice; there’ll be no commotion in the streets. He won’t walk over anyone’s feelings, won’t push you into a corner. Before you know it, his justice will triumph; the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.
For your reflection and prayer:
As you listened, was there a word, a phrase, an image, or something else that shimmered for you? Notice what it stirs in you. Have a conversation with Jesus about this.
What longings rise up in you as you meditate on this passage? Journal or sketch them.
Slowly savor any consoling words or images which God gives you in this time of prayer. Simply rest in God’s presence with them.
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