You Are the Servant of the Lord
We are called to be a shining light to the nations, demonstrating God's character to the world and radiating Jesus in all we do.
John Wesley emphasizes that believers are called to be servants of the Lord, reflecting God's righteousness and covenant relationship. He explains that Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations, demonstrating what it means to live under God's guidance. Just as God called Abraham and established Israel in Canaan, He places us in our own communities to shine His light and share hope with those around us. Wesley encourages us to live in a way that radiates Jesus, performing acts of mercy to free those trapped in darkness. Ultimately, we are to be active servants of the Lord in our daily lives.
Text
"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and the light for the Gentiles, to open eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." Isaiah 42:6&7 These verses were written for the nation Israel and were a reminder (which they often needed) of the reason they were called into existence as a nation. They were called to live under God in a covenant relationship with Him, allowing themselves to be kept by Him and led by Him.
They were to show the world around them what a nation under God looked like, how a nation under God lived, and in this way they would be a shining light to the nations. For this reason God called Abraham, who left his home and with his wife Sarah went to live in Canaan. Through Abraham and Sarah God created the nation Israel and established it in that part of the world. Have you ever wondered why God did not call a North American Indian couple, or a southern African San couple but rather a Middle Eastern Bedouin couple through whom to create a people who would be a shining light to the nations?
Well, He certainly could have chosen anyone, but the land of Canaan was the best place at that time to establish a shining light to the nations because it stood on the main trading route between the two great world powers of that time, Egypt and Mesopotamia. By placing His covenant people in Canaan all the world was meant to see and hear about the God who is the creator and sustainer of the world. You and I are often placed by God in the places where we live and work for the same reasons.
Whenever we go out of our front doors the world can see lives which radiate Jesus, shining hope into the lives of those around us. Our spirit inspired acts of mercy can set free those who live in the dark dungeons of sin and despair. Pray that as you work or play, as you shop or rest, you will point to Jesus in all that you do; that you will be the servant of the Lord today. Light of the Gentile world, appear! Command the blind thy rays to see, Our darkness chase, our sorrows cheer, And set the plaintive prisoners free. (125)
Sermon Outline
- I. God's Call to a Covenant Relationship
- A. God's purpose in calling Israel
- B. The role of Abraham and Sarah in establishing the nation
- II. The Purpose of God's People
- A. To be a shining light to the nations
- B. To demonstrate God's character to the world
- III. Our Place in God's Plan
- A. We are placed in our communities for a purpose
- B. Our actions can radiate Jesus and bring hope to others
- IV. Being the Servant of the Lord
- A. Pointing to Jesus in all we do
- B. Serving the Lord through our daily lives
Key Quotes
“You and I are often placed by God in the places where we live and work for the same reasons.” — John Wesley
“Our spirit inspired acts of mercy can set free those who live in the dark dungeons of sin and despair.” — John Wesley
“Light of the Gentile world, appear!” — John Wesley
Application Points
- Pray that you will point to Jesus in all that you do, and be the servant of the Lord today.
- Recognize that you are placed in your community for a purpose, and seek to demonstrate God's character to the world.
- Use your spirit-inspired acts of mercy to set free those who live in the dark dungeons of sin and despair.