Song #1 introduced God’s Messiah as the chosen Servant in Isaiah 42:1-9, Song #2 spoke of Messiah’s mission in Isaiah 49:1-13, Song #3 today speaks of Messiah’s obedience in Isaiah 50:4-11 and #4 to come will talk about Messiah’s suffering in Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

The Lord’s Obedient Servant Isaiah 50:4-11

⁴ The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom,
    so that I know how to comfort the weary.
Morning by morning he wakens me
    and opens my understanding to his will.
⁵ The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me,
    and I have listened.
    I have not rebelled or turned away.
⁶ I offered my back to those who beat me
    and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face
    from mockery and spitting. The servant to come would be obedient and responsive to God unlike the Israelites. He listed and offered himself for suffering at the hands of men. These actions point to the fulfillment in Matthew 27:26 and 30 by Jesus. “So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.” ³⁰ And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it.”

⁷ Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
    I will not be disgraced.
Therefore, I have set my face like a stone,
    determined to do his will.
    And I know that I will not be put to shame.
⁸ He who gives me justice is near.
    Who will dare to bring charges against me now?
Where are my accusers?
    Let them appear!
⁹ See, the Sovereign Lord is on my side!
    Who will declare me guilty?
All my enemies will be destroyed
    like old clothes that have been eaten by moths! We are reminded here of the resoluteness of Jesus as shown in Luke 9:51 “As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Later in prayer he became resolved to the Father’s will. Luke 26:42-46 “Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” ⁴³ When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.⁴⁴ So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. ⁴⁵ Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴⁶ Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”

¹⁰ Who among you fears the Lord
    and obeys his servant?
If you are walking in darkness,
    without a ray of light,
trust in the Lord
    and rely on your God.
¹¹ But watch out, you who live in your own light
    and warm yourselves by your own fires.
This is the reward you will receive from me:
    You will soon fall down in great torment. Isaiah ends this song with a warning. If you fear the Lord and walk with Him, you will see and experience the Light His light shown to the world in Christ Jesus. It calls for trust and reliance upon God. If you seek to live by your own power and light, beware as your rewards will lead you to great downfall and eternal death. Remember Romans 3:23 “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” and Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The suffering of the Obedient Servant of God, Messiah, Jesus Christ, would be great. This suffering is further shown in the 4th Song of the Suffering Servant. During this Season of Lent, let us reflect on the suffering of our Lord Jesus and sing a song of praise to Him for all He accomplished on the cross and to God the Father for vindicating Him by raising Him from the dead. Victory in Jesus!

Linda

I love this old hymn- it never disappoints. I smile as I consider the victory I have in Jesus.