God's Programme for the World
S. Chadwick. Isaiah 42:1-17 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my elect, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit on him… This programme is entrusted to the servant of the Lord, who is the Christ of the New Testament. I. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN JEHOVAH AND HIS SERVANT. In all His life of ministry this Servant was assured of three things — 1. That He was chosen of God for the service to which He came. 2. That He dwelt deep in the love of God His Father. 3. That His life lay entirely within the will of God. He was chosen, beloved, approved. All this is possible to those who say, "I am the Lord's." II. THE SERVANT'S DIVINE EQUIPMENT. "I have put My Spirit upon Him." III. THE MISSION OF THE SERVANT: ITS TEMPER AND METHOD. Christ came to reveal God, to restore all things to the pattern of the Divine mind, to make God's judgment the standard of all life and conduct, so that the world should be governed by the principles of God's righteousness. This is to be accomplished without noise or ostentation. This description of Christ's character is remarkable for its omissions: it is a striking list of omissions. The Spirit works by a process of exclusion in revelation and sanctification, and in the restoration of righteousness in the world. (S. Chadwick.) Parallel Verses KJV: Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. WEB: "Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delights— I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the nations.