The Servant Shall Be Exalted
Isaiah is considered among the greatest of the Old Testament prophets because of his many predictions of the Messiah. For instance, Christmas is the time when we celebrate the birth of our savior, so you’ve probably heard this one during the Christmas season:
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
What most people don’t notice is that Isaiah uses the word servant several times to describe the nature of Jesus’ earthly ministry. For example, He wrote, “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights!” and “Behold, My Servant… shall be exalted and extolled and be very high” (42:1; 52:13).
Jesus was the son of God, yet he was the ultimate servant. He is the perfect example of a heart that serves. Here is one of my favorite verses about our Lord:
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
One thing that touches my heart about this truth is that it is written in the book of Matthew. And Matthew is the Gospel that also most exalts Jesus, as Messiah, the King! And yet we read that serving was a vital quality in King Jesus’ life—a priority and a way of life for Him.
The Bible tells us that Jesus, very early in His ministry, was “tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1-11). With each temptation, Jesus resisted Satan by quoting Scripture. Satan’s last enticement was a trade-off of power and glory if Jesus would fall down and worship Satan. Jesus replied to the devil, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve”(verse 10).
For most women, the role of serving others is a given. If you’re married, you have a husband to serve and care for. If you have children, well, add them to your list of those whom you serve. And don’t forget your parents and in-laws… and on and on your list goes!
It’s easy to get distracted in the course of helping others. But if you’re not careful, your service can become focused on people. Then one day, you realize you’ve forgotten about your call to serve God. Jesus spoke to this priority when He said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment” (22:37-38). Loving and serving God first is the most important thing a Christian can do.
As you consider the character quality of service, give praise to God that Jesus, the Messiah, our Precious Savior of the World, came first as a lowly servant. Then open your heart and behold how the greatest man—and servant—who ever lived modeled what it means to serve and sacrifice.
Something to Consider:
RESPOND:
Dear Lord, thank You for fulfilling Your plan of redemption for the world. Jesus is the best gift for all time. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES:
Read A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus for more insight and encouragement in choosing to be a woman of God.
REFLECT:
Take time to memorize Isaiah 9:6 over this month: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
REMEMBER:
As a believer in Christ, each and every day gives an opportunity to love the Lord with all your heart. But, especially in these weeks before Christmas, take time one more to read the story of His servant-hood and sacrifice for you in Luke 22, 23, 24.
