Isaiah 42:1-91—God chooses and delights in His Servant. Epiphany deals with light. God chooses His
servant to be the light of the nations. Epiphany is the season for world
outreach with the Gospel. The Lord describes the character and work of His Servant. This is
the first of four servant songs in Isaiah. In verses 1-4 the Servant is
described as chosen and well-pleasing to the Lord, Spirit-filled, patient, and
faithful. In verses 5-9, the work of the Servant is to bring the light of
salvation to the world, justice, and He shall be a covenant of the people. How
does this passage relate to Jesus’ baptism? As the Servant was anointed with
the Spirit, Jesus at His baptism received the Holy Spirit. As the Servant was “chosen, in whom my soul delights,” at
His baptism, God’s voice said, “This is
my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” As the Servant was given a
task (vv. 6-7), Jesus’ ministry began at His baptism.
The ten days since
Christmas are short compared to the approximately thirty years between Jesus’
birth and His baptism by John. Yet, many in our day have already forgotten why
Jesus’ birth was so important. Others, as in Jesus’ day, with eager or curious
expectation to see what His mission in life will be. The baptism of Jesus “begins” His public ministry. Like the
President of the United State’ inaugural address; this lesson outlines the
credentials and anticipated program for the coming years.
As the promised
Messiah; Jesus identifies with the past. He identifies with all people from
Adam to John, who need to be baptized for forgiveness. He claims a heritage
with God’s covenant people Israel. Indeed, His is Israel rolled into one.
As the promised Messiah; Jesus identifies with
the present. Those living at His time. In the babe of Bethlehem God has sent
His own Son. (Psalm 2:7) As the Messiah He is also the “chosen servant” foretold by Isaiah, with whom God is “well
pleased,” that is, whom God has accepted by grace to be His sacrifice for sin.
Jesus is baptized “to fulfill all
righteousness,” for now. The fulfillment of God’s plan has begun, but
Jesus’ mission moves from the Jordan to Jerusalem.
As the promised
Messiah; Jesus mission points to the future. He has come primarily to suffer
and die so that by repentance and forgiveness through His righteousness the
Kingdom of God may come. In your baptism you participate in the death of
Christ, (Romans 6) as you identify with the “New Israel” saved by baptismal grace.
As the coming
Epiphany season stands between our celebration of Christ’s birth and His
passion, we remember that He came to manifest God’s good favor (grace) by
humbly offering Himself for the sins of the world.
A Collect for the Baptism of our Lord: Father in heaven, at
the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan you proclaimed Him Your beloved Son
and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized into Christ
faithful in their calling to be your children and inheritors with Him of
everlasting life. [2]
Collect for 04 January: Father, you make known the salvation of
mankind at the birth of your Son. Make us strong in faith and bring us to the
glory your promise. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [3]
[1]
Baptism of Jesus, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2]
Collect for the Baptism of our Lord, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St.
Louis
[3]
Collect for 04 January, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the
Church, Vol. III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
No comments:
Post a Comment