Divine Imperatives August 7 Devotional

ISAIAH 42:1, 4 | ¹ Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

⁴ He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth, and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

If God has come among us in Jesus, His words are the most exciting moment in the history of religions. They are also the most exciting moment within the story of God’s relationship with Israel.

It is difficult to overstate Jewish hopes and expectations for their Messiah. The prophets dreamed of a new age of intimacy with God and a new covenant He would initiate. They hoped for a new justice to rectify history’s wrongs and reverse its tragedies. They prayed for a new freedom from oppression and domination, and a reign of peace in contrast to the endless violence and wars of our world. There had been 400 years without a prophetic word to increase these desires, before John and Jesus appeared.

Can you imagine being a faithful Jewish believer who recognized Jesus as Messiah? What hopes are you passing on for this world’s reveal?

Gracious God,

Don’t let me miss the moments You teach and direct, the times You manifest Your goodness and glory.

Amen.