Seeds of Mission in Isaiah

Some time ago I had the opportunity to sit under Dr. Christopher Wright during a seminar in OMSC. The subject was “Second Isaiah” and the title: “God’s Servant for God’s mission”. I was much challenged and went on reflecting on this subject. Here are just a few seeds to share with you.

1. A vision of God’s supremacy
A vision of God and his uniqueness is the basis of a committed mission to his people and to the nations. In my case, there was not so much questions of having a vision, but more of renewing it, expand it and revisited. I specially ponder about the existing link between the vision of who God is – in creation, in history, in redemption and in eternity – and how that should fuel, sustain, strength and direct my mission commitment. Through this chapters, the prophet declares, and gives evidence, that YHWH is:
•    Unique
•    Glorious
•    Just and holy
•    Merciful
•    Redeemer
•    Powerful

2. The challenge of idolatry
In the backdrop of these chapters lays the pervasive influence of idolatry. Isaiah confronts God’s people with their sin and, bluntly, vividly – some times sarcastically, points out their gross idolatry. Idolatry is:
•    Foolish when compared to the revelation of who God is.
•    Helplessness when compare with the acts of God in history and in the story of His people
•    Oppressive when compare to the grace and freedom of their relationship with the true God.
•    Inconsistent when compared with the nature of God and their identity

The influence of idolatry is present today. There is no only a question of bowing down to images of stones or wood. Is much wider in scope, deeper in influence. The gods and goddesses of today (power, wealth, knowledge, sensuality, etc.) are as real, evasive and demanding that those of Isaiah’s time. Furthermore, this brings the question on how we, as people of God in out time and place, are to realer with peoples of other faith in a pluralistic and relativistic society. In spite of their failure, there is a call for consolation. Yes, the people of God have sinned. In due time God sent judgment. Now the time for restoration, comfort and re-commissioning had come. He would stand for his own again, and would do new things: a new exodus was coming, a renewed relationship, and a new Servant was to be introduced. The “Servant” would accomplish God’s will – although -in unexpected ways.

3. A perspective of world events
The prophet shed some light upon the unexpected ways that God have to accomplish his purposes in the history of men. God called a pagan king: his anointed, pastor of his people, and a servant. May be that king remained totally blind to the fact that God was using him, never the less, God did.

Going further, Scriptures, shows that sometimes God in turn send judgment upon those nation and governments that He initial used for his purposes. This rise questions on how to interpret today the events of history and the interplay of powers and rulers. We have witness on how individuals, organization and governments have tried to answer this question.

4. A wider scope for the mission
Isaiah cares for his people and stress God’s faithfulness and patience with Israel. However, he goes much further, he points to the nation and the peoples of the world. These chapters are a precious gold mine where to discover God’s universal and overarching purposes. The stage is the nations. The word “nation” has a rich theological meaning in the Scriptures.
Some of Isaiah’s teaching on God and the nations:
•    Nations are insignificant when compare with God.
•    Nations will know the justice of God.
•    Nations will receive the light of God.
•    Nations will partake in the salvation of God.
•    Nations will have the witness of the people and the Servant of God.
•    Nations are the scenarios of God’s redeeming actions.

Conclusion
Isaiah shows that to join in God’s mission, we need a vision of God’s uniqueness and majesty. This awe of God confronts all forms of idolatry and sin, first among his people, and also among the nations. God is just to bring restoration and to execute judgment. He will accomplish His promise of redemption, hope and salvation to Israel and to the nations – within a cosmic and eschatological scope – through the calling, suffering and triumph of his beloved Servant and the resulting obedience of His people. 

Daniel Bianchi