One of the distinctive features of the Book of Isaiah is a series of prophecies foretelling the coming of the Servant of the Lord. Interestingly, in later interpretative traditions, there have been many views as to who this Servant of the Lord is. These include the nation of Israel as a whole, the faithful remnant of Israel, or a specific individual yet to come. Although the emphasis of each of these views differs, there is one common thread: the involvement of human beings in the realisation of God’s work in the world. 

Let us consider today’s reading. Isaiah begins by presenting the cry of a person calling upon the nations to bear witness to the mighty deeds God has performed in him. The Servant of the Lord is a person whom He will send. He says, “The Lord has called me from the womb; He has named me from my mother’s womb.” This call is an affirmation that whatever is to be said thereafter is part of God’s plan. From his mouth come sharp words proclaiming the truth. Like an arrow shot from the archer’s hand, so the servant of the Lord is ready to be sent towards the target He has set. 

At that time, the objective or mission set by the Lord for His servant was the deliverance of Israel from the land of Babylon; yet it was not merely that, but through the work woven around Israel, the light of the Lord would shine upon all nations. What happened to Israel and what the Lord accomplished through His servant paved the way for the proclamation of God’s work to the whole world. 

Note that in this passage, a human being serves as both an instrument and a witness to the works God has carried out for the world. The greatest question that sparks humanity’s journey is why does the Almighty God always involve us in the realisation of His work and its proclamation? Perhaps God, who created us, believes in our ability to think, to work, and to bring forth goodness based solely on His will. Thus, in our connection with Him, we are empowered to do good in the world. Therefore, when we see problems arising around us—whether at work, in our local communities, or within this country—let us not wait idly but take action to play our part.