Qualified To Redeem

QUALIFIED TO REDEEM

Read Isaiah 50:4-9

Read Isaiah 50:4-9

The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught. Isaiah 50:4

In this third Song of the Servant, Jesus is portrayed as the Great Disciple. In fact, this is how the New American Standard Bible translates verse 1 of this song: “The Lord God has given me the tongue of disciples.” And this little song shows us the qualifications necessary for one to be the Redeemer of mankind. If we were advertising for the job of Savior, what would we be looking for? God tells us in this second autobiographical Servant Song.

First, the Servant must possess a humble mindset. Please read Isaiah 50:4-5.

He must be characterized by four marks of a true disciple. First, he must be a learner, willing to model his life after God’s Word and Will. Second, he must be an encourager; one who uses words not as weapons but as balm for other weary souls. Third, the Servant must be a teachable man willing to change, grow and be shaped by One wiser than he. That is, he must be a good listener. Fourth, obedience must be the hallmark of the servant’s life. For this is always the preeminent qualification of disciples: They do what the Master commands. Obedience marks discipleship as genuine.

Second, the servant must possess a resolute spirit. He cannot give up if things get rough. He cannot quit if suffering results from discipleship. Please read Isaiah 50:6-7.

There appears here a reference to Christ’s passive and active obedience. Verse 6 points to the passive courage of Jesus Christ and His surrender to the passion of His atonement. They graphically predict the humiliating abuse Jesus forebears in Pontius Pilate’s palace. Verse 7 points to Christ’s active pursuit of the cross. Isaiah speaks of the Servant who would “set [his] face like flint” in doing God’s Will. Luke tells us that Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). Servants of God are resolute in purpose: They will do God’s Will, come what may.

Thirdly, the Servant must possess a clear conscience. He is unafraid to stand before both God and men and be judged. Please read Isaiah 50:8-9.

This means that Christ (and Christians) are both accountable to others while ultimately judged by God. The test of time will prove the sincerity and the service of a servant of God (v. 9). Paul would put this truth before us in different words. Please read 1 Cor. 4:1-5.

Only the Gospel can transform selfish people into servants of Christ. Its power changes their hearts and their lives: The proud become humble, the insecure become teachable, words are no longer used as self-defensive weapons but to give grace to others, cowardliness is overcome by courage, a staying power appears where before we quit too easily, and, perhaps greatest of all, we are conscientious toward others but no longer slaves to their approval. Our consciences rest with God in Christ.

Servants are not born; they are made. And it is the grace of God that does the reno-vation––sinner to servant. “Behold, the Lord God helps me” (v. 9). Indeed He does. He saves us, and He saves us to serve Him.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of him

self more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each

according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (Romans 12:1-3)

PRAYING FOR THE PCA

CEP: Pray for CEP to be effective and missional in communicating the Kingdom perspective throughout all of the training and resources.

CC: Please pray for our international students, missionary kids and all diversity studentswho often face cultural challenges in their transition. Pray that Covenant, and especially those who work closely with the Cultural Diversity Program, will provide an environment that is open and comfortable, while celebrating and mirroring the varied texture of the world God has created. Pray that students can build relationships, gain support and encouragement, and experience true fellowship which looks out for one another while fully engaging and serving in the greater Covenant and Chattanooga communities.

MNA: Pray for Network of Portuguese Speaking Churches Coordinator Renato Bernardes, and for the churches in the network. Pray that the network will be strong in advancing God’s Kingdom through planting churches with a broad multicultural vision. Pray also that plans for their annual gathering in August will result in an event that is a great encouragement and time of equipping for the participating churches.

PCAF: Pray that God will be glorified in the day-to-day work and activity of the PCA Foundation and that the staff would be encouraged by their calling and be effective in ministry.

RH: Pray for increasing opportunities to serve individuals, families, PCA congregations, presbyteries, committees and agencies, including additional RUF groups, CEP, WIC, youth and children’s ministries, MNA, and MTW regional retreats and training opportunities.