Isaiah 42: God’s Chosen Servant Prophecy

Introduction: Isaiah 42 is a empowering chapter that speaks of God’s chosen servant, who will bring justice to the nations. This servant is a beacon of hope for all people, as he will lead them out of darkness and into the light. The chapter also emphasizes the sovereignty of God, who will not give his glory to another. It is a reminder that God’s plan for salvation and justice will ultimately prevail.

I. The Chosen Servant (Isaiah 42:1-4)
This section introduces the servant of the Lord, who is chosen and upheld by God. The servant will bring forth justice to the nations, and will not be discouraged until he has established justice on earth. The passage emphasizes the gentleness and humility of the servant, who will not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick.

• Matthew 12:18-21 references this passage, as it identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecy of the chosen servant.
• Luke 2:32 also references this passage, as it speaks of Jesus as a light for revelation to the Gentiles.
• Acts 13:47 further references this passage, as it speaks of the mission of the apostles to bring the message of salvation to the ends of the earth.

II. The Sovereignty of God (Isaiah 42:5-9)
This section emphasizes the sovereignty of God, who created the heavens and the earth and gives breath to all people. God has called the servant in righteousness and will hold his hand and keep him. The passage also speaks of the new things that God will do, which have not yet been revealed.

• Revelation 21:5 references this passage, as it speaks of God making all things new.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 also references this passage, as it speaks of the new creation in Christ.
• Jeremiah 31:31-34 further references this passage, as it speaks of the new covenant that God will make with his people.

III. A Call to Praise (Isaiah 42:10-17)
This section calls all people to sing a new song to the Lord, to praise him for his mighty deeds. The passage speaks of the Lord going forth like a warrior, and of his triumph over his enemies. It also speaks of the Lord leading the blind in a way they do not know, and turning their darkness into light.

• Psalm 98:1 references this passage, as it calls for a new song to be sung to the Lord.
• Ephesians 5:8 also references this passage, as it speaks of the transformation from darkness to light in Christ.
• John 9:39 further references this passage, as it speaks of Jesus giving sight to the blind.

IV. The Lord’s Rebuke (Isaiah 42:18-25)
This section speaks of the Lord’s rebuke to his people, who are blind and deaf to his ways. The passage emphasizes the consequences of disobedience, as the Lord’s anger burns against his people. It also speaks of the Lord’s desire for his people to turn back to him and be healed.

• Romans 2:5 references this passage, as it speaks of the wrath of God against those who are disobedient.
• Hebrews 3:7-8 also references this passage, as it warns against hardening one’s heart to the voice of the Lord.
• 2 Chronicles 7:14 further references this passage, as it speaks of the Lord’s promise to heal his people if they turn back to him.

Conclusion: Isaiah 42 is a chapter that offers hope and encouragement to all who seek the Lord. It speaks of the chosen servant who will bring justice to the nations, and of the sovereignty of God who will not give his glory to another. It calls for praise and worship, and offers a warning against disobedience. Ultimately, the chapter reminds us that God’s plan for salvation and justice will prevail, and that he is a beacon of hope for all people.