“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6, ESV)
When growing up, my dad and I would go surf fishing on the Jersey shore for stripers in the spring. We would begin fishing in March and fish every weekend through about mid-May. We drove to the beach before sunrise and arrived there in the dark. I found that casting a surf fishing rod was a bit more cumbersome in the pitch dark than in daylight, especially when trying to time the waves breaking on the shore. The weather in March could get quite cold also, making the experience less than enjoyable at times. On these days I longed to see the sunrise in order to get some warmth from the sun. Being able to see better, I would also get my bearings straight for casting my line into the water. Dawn’s early light on the horizon revealed the prospect of daylight and that encouraged me.
This passage of Isaiah, verses 1-7, speaks of the Messianic hope for the nations. There is much spiritual meat in these verses and I encourage you to read them. However, verse 6 struck me for a couple reasons. First, verse 1 reveals that God providentially orchestrated that Israel’s Messiah, Jesus, would be born and called, “from the womb” (v1). Verse 5 further shows us that God had formed Him “from the womb to be his servant” (v5). Jesus is the light of hope for all nations.
We live in a world steeped in spiritual darkness. On every side we see iniquity, the shortcomings of fallen man. It can be discouraging after a while. I thought about this once as I watched the Super Bowl. In particular, I considered the commercials that focused on exploiting the consumers with sexual or materialistic messages. The commercials were just a picture of our society’s values and pursuits. We see the evidences of narcissism everywhere. There is a general appearance of apostasy in our society. Yet in the midst of this I have hope.
When I get down and discouraged due to the condition of the world around me, when I am discouraged due to the apathetic view of people towards God and their closed ears to the truth, I need to look to “The Light of Hope,” Jesus. It is not until I take my eyes off the circumstances and focus on Jesus that I will come out of my discouragement and again walk in victory. It is Jesus and my relationship with Him that gives me hope and encourages me to keep on living the Christian life with fervor. He is the true light that came into the world that would illuminate everyone (John 1:9).
Secondly, I realize something else. Jesus is in me (Galatians 2:20). The light of Christ is in me. He has called me to be His servant. The circumstances of this world can never change this calling. Just as God called Jesus as the chosen Messiah (v7), the Lord our God has called me to serve Him. He has equipped me by His indwelling Spirit to accomplish everything He desires. Therefore, regardless of the response of others to my ministry, I must and will continue to serve Him. Why? Simply because He has formed me, called me, and equipped me for this purpose.
Let me conclude by saying that every genuine believer has the blessing of The Light of Hope. When you get discouraged or depressed because of the circumstances of this world look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). In addition, remember this. You have a high calling (Hebrews 3:1). Jesus has a purpose for every believer. His light is in us by His Spirit to accomplish great and mighty things for Him. Walk in His light and radiate His light as you live in this world. In doing so, you will brighten the lives of the people that God places in your path.
Renewing the Heart 