When we see the spectacular in Jesus’ ministry we desire to be participants in it, often without appreciating the implications of participation.
You will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons. (Isaiah 42:6c-7)
We see the needs of those who spiritually, physically or emotionally are in darkness or prisons and desire that the Lord use us to release them. The Father, for reasons unknown, works through give and take not just take.
and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. (Isaiah 42:6b)
This ‘symbol’ is Jesus on the cross! Participants in ministry also participate in cost. I post this while pressed with the death of my father on top of issues that crowd out life.
“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you,”
Though we participate in Christ’s sufferings, the overriding way God works is through blessing and a guarding hand. His consolations outweigh the cost.
God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. (Isaiah 42:5)
The one who created us gave us the breath of life. We have this life from him as a trust and how he wishes to demonstrate his righteousness through us is his call.
My Bible study for Isaiah 42 is found here.