Isaiah 49:1-6
We’ve a story to tell to the nations
That shall turn their hearts to the right,
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light,
A story of peace and light.
H. Earnest Nichol
Our Lord Was a Missionary: v. 1
Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name.
1. He came to save people. John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2. He came to raise people. Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Our Lord Delivered A Message: v. 2
He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.
1. A message of deliverance . John 1:9-12
The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
2. A message of holiness . John 17:17
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Our Lord Suffered for the Sake of the Gospel: vv. 3-6
He said to me, You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor. 4 But I said, I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with my God.
5And now the Lord says he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength 6he says: It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.
1. He was persecuted . Mark 9:12
Jesus replied, To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?
2. He was beaten . Matthew 27:25-26
All the people answered, Let his blood be on us and on our children!
26Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
3. He was crucified . Mark 15:25
It was the third hour when they crucified him.
We’ve a Saviour to show to the nations
Who the path of sorrow hath trod,
That all of the world’s great peoples
Might come to the truth of God,
Might come to the truth of God.
H. Earnest Nichol
