“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.

He is my chosen one, who pleases me.

I have put my Spirit upon him.

He will bring justice to the nations.

He will not shout

or raise his voice in public.

He will not crush the weakest reed

or put out a flickering candle.

He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.

He will not falter or lose heart

until justice prevails throughout the earth.

Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”

Isaiah 42:1-4

This passage is a description of Jesus, our messiah. He is referred to here as the promised “Servant”, a theme Isaiah uses often in the final chapters of his book. By definition a Servant is one who carries out the work of another. In the Gospels, Jesus tells us that He came to serve us! This Servant is one who is sent by GOD to carry out HIS work on OUR behalf. So, though He serves us, the work He does is God’s work. His service doesn’t come according to the terms we lay down, but according to God’s will and perfect plan.

In these 4 short verses the word “justice” appears 3 different times. What we learn is that justice plays a central role in the work He does here. However, that justice is not a hard, brash or brazen justice… instead it is a justice that will not crush the weakest or quench those who are burning out… it is a justice that looks to fight for those who have nothing, to stand up for the weak and the broken. We are told here that He will bring justice to ALL who have been wronged. What a promise!

This passage closes with a declaration that should bring all believers strength, hope and encouragement. The Lord says that He will not falter or lose heart as He continues to serve UNTIL JUSTICE PREVAILS THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH.

Now, we know that Justice has not yet prevailed throughout all the earth, and that means that God is still actively at work. He isn’t finished and He hasn’t slacked off… He will bring His work to full completion.

We know that Justice and Mercy met together at the cross… but their final consummation is still to come. One day soon, Jesus will return, and justice will prevail ONCE AND FOR ALL!