A Time to Serve

Our Old Testament reading for today is the third of the four servant songs found in second Isaiah. It also is the easiest to understand.* This song takes the form of an individual lament and it is quite clear why we read it today. Although Isaiah may have had a different understanding of why he wrote this text we see it as a prophetic description of the suffering our servant, Jesus, took on for us – as we read again the account of his passion. It has also, through the years, reminded those who suffer for their faith of their servant hood. It is a reminder that picking up your cross and following Jesus is not an easy task. It may be filled with pain and ridicule. It might even lead to death. But this lament is not a lament of desperation. Instead it is one of great confidence. For, no matter what happens, God helps us. In the midst of shame and spitting, God is our strength, hope, and peace.

In the midst of our troubled world we are now called to be servants to God and the world. Just thinking about that enormous task we have our own lament. There is just no way that we can do the task that God calls us to. Jesus is our example and leader in this. He also was called by God to be a servant and save the world – a greater task than we are called to – and he did it by setting his face like flint and carrying his cross to Golgotha. Now, because Jesus took the form of a slave, humbled himself, and became obedient to death on the cross we are able to pick up our own cross and follow him into serving God. 

We serve not because we have to or that it will give us great reward but because we already have the reward – Jesus’ support and salvation. As we follow Jesus this Holy Week let us remember the suffering he took on for us. Seeing his suffering and experiencing his love let us find joy in our service to God and the world. May you learn your call from God and find strength to joyfully carry your cross as you follow Jesus to wherever he leads.

*The others are 42:1-4, 49:1-6, and 52:13-53:12