“Such a change of fortunes”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Sunday, September 15, 2024

Isaiah 50: 4-9a (Forward, p. 48) CEV p. 745

Today’s passage, one of what is called ‘the suffering servant songs’, has raised a great deal of debate over the centuries. The Ethiopian eunuch was in good company (see Acts 8: 34) when he asked, about another of these suffering servant sons (Isaiah 53: 7-8), “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or about someone else?”

That question has been repeatedly asked over the years, with varying answers. Some have suggested that it was indeed the prophet Isaiah, or some other unnamed individual. Many within Judaism speculated that it was Israel itself. And of course, Christians—with the benefit of hindsight—have been most emphatic in saying that it refers to the Christ, the Messiah, who is Jesus.

Putting all that behind us for a moment, what does this passage say unambiguously about this servant? There are three threads here. Firstly on the onset, on a decidedly positive and proactive note:

-he is attentive, eager to learn and willing to listen, and makes this

his daily priority, attending to this first thing every morning.

-he listens for God’s word, God’s teaching, recognizing it for two

things, firstly that it is ‘the right words’ and, secondly, that they have

a purpose, namely, ‘to sustain or strengthen the weary.’

-he has willingly embraced this task and not shied away from it, not

rebelling or running away from it.

But then there is another, less positive note. He encounters much opposition, insults and physical assault galore. And, interesting, surprisingly, he willingly submits to this, willingly allows himself to undergo such humiliation. And, indeed, such abuses as having one’s beard pulled out and being spit in the face, were considered the epitome, the height of insult, in the Near Eastern world.

But that is not the end of the story. The servant is convinced that God is there for him and will not let him down. He is sure that God will vindicate him in the end and prove him to be in the right, and so he refuses to give up or be swayed from his course of action.

And so, the reader is left with something of a puzzle as to who this refers to. Certainly, the Jewish people have been maligned and abused over the centuries, and those of the Jewish faith might well look to this passage and find hope and consolation in it. They might well say to themselves, “Yes, God will see us through it”.

Nevertheless, Christians cannot help but see this as a riveting and powerful picture of the work and ministry of Jesus Christ. Certainly, He attended Himself to hearing and sharing God’s word, and certainly, He put up with much abuse, even death, for our sakes, and in the end, was vindicated.

But, in saying all this, I could not help but think of yet another application for this passage. Should we, all of us, in like manner be attentive to hearing and sharing God’s word—as a help and an encouragement to others? And, should we not also be willing to persist in our appointed task, regardless of what flack or difficulties come our way? I think that this certainly is worthy of our consideration.

Forward notes: “Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together” (verse 8).

“It takes determination to stand up for what you believe. And it requires courage to contend in the face of opposition. In our social and political climate, and in a democratic society where we have freedom of choice, there are always two (or more) sides to every issue. Who will I vote for in the coming election? Which ballot measure will I choose? For whom will I advocate, the rich or the poor? The landowners or the workers? Someone will be offended no matter which choice I make. Taking a stand implies someone will be against me—and I, them.

“I cannot escape this reality in a world of choice, but not choosing is a choice in itself, one that may mean unjust systems continue without change. When I’m inclined to take the path of least resistance, I find courage in those willing to stand. My moments of greatest joy (and angst) have been walking arm in arm with a group of people singing protest songs, believing with all our hearts in a God who will not turn her back on those in need.”

Moving Forward: “Who will you contend with today?”