Are You a Burning or Flickering Candle

O. T. #1639 "Are You a Burning or Flickering Candle"
March 2, 2020
Isaiah 42
He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. (verse 3)

LET IT GLOW

I like to burn scented candles in our home. Their lovely fragrance is nice and refreshing. I use them whenever the electricity goes out along my country road, as well. Sometimes they flicker, so I have a match close by to relight them if the candle goes out. Christians can be like the candle. We can stray from God's path and allow sin in and before we know it, our light flickers and goes out. Jesus is the light of the world. He wants to keep our spirit burning for Him. And not just flickering every once in a while, either, like Easter or Christmas time, but all the time.

This is the first of 4 Servant-songs referring to the Messiah. They are found in 49:1-13, 50:4-11, 52:13-53:12. This servant of the Lord is referring the Messiah, Christ Jesus Himself. (Mac Arthur)

In verse 1, how does Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, describe His servant?

• He is the one whom God will uphold (to sustain, keep fast, to help, follow close, maintain, retain).
• He is God's elect (choose, chosen one, select).It can also mean one set apart for a definite purpose.
• He is the one in whom God's soul delighteth (to be pleased with; to satisfy a debt; set affection; favor; pardon).
• God put His Spirit upon Him. Spirit can mean wind; by resemblance of breath; life; courage; mind.
• He shall bring judgment to the Gentiles. Judgment refers to verdict; a sentence or formal decree; divine law; justice.

During His millennial reign, Jesus will be on the throne of David in Jerusalem, ruling over Israel, Gentiles, and other nations.

The early ministry of Jesus was directed to the "house of Israel," it is, nevertheless, obvious that His ultimate ministry was to extend to the Gentiles as well. (Falwell)

All the nations of the world will experience the righteousness and judgment of the Messiah King. He extends salvation to the Jews and Gentiles, alike.

Not only was and is Jesus the servant mentioned, but Israel is too. And we can be God's servant whom He upholds, elects, delights in, and gives His Spirit. but, only Jesus is the ultimate Judge.

Do we find strength in God? If we are His chosen servant, are we pleasing Him? Are we listening to His Spirit? Are we awaiting the second coming of Jesus, God's Servant?

I heard this song while writing this, which is appropriate:
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty.  Who was and is and is to come. With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings. You are my everything. And I will adore You.

LET IT GROW

Isaiah uses 7 negative verbs to describe the Messiah, in verses 2-4:

1. The Lord will not cry aloud, shouting;
2. nor lift up His voice in praise of Himself,
3. nor raise His voice in public.
4. He will not crush the weakest reed,
5. or put out a flickering candle, a smoking flax (the burning wick and is used symbolically of those who are endangered).
6. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
7. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth.

Resource: New Living Translation

We know that Jesus came first as the Messiah, a humble Servant of the Lord. His was a universal ministry, extending to the whole world. The next time He comes to earth He will reign as King over all the earth. We cannot find a better king to serve!

Is Jesus reigning as King of your life today? Are we serving Him?

LET IT GO
As a Gentile, I thank You God for choosing me for salvation and to be Your servant.
Jesus, You alone are King and worthy to be praised and worshiped.
Keep my soul burning for You.