“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16)
This passage is part of “The Servant Songs” in which Isaiah develops the whole theme of servanthood. He prophesies about Jesus as the servant of the Lord. He is totally committed to do God’s will, to perform His mission completely with gentleness, meekness, humility, and patience. He will preach the word of the Lord that will enlighten those living in darkness and free those trapped in the bondage of idolatry and sin. He will uphold and fulfill God’s law.
Originally, the Lord called Israel to fulfill this mission, but which she failed to carry it out. Israel failed to thank and praise God for all His blessings. Then the Chosen People became blind to His words and commands as they adopted the ways of their pagan neighbors and descended into immorality and idolatry. Therefore Jesus came to fulfill God’s servant mission. He came to be the light of the world while Israel dwelt in darkness.
The world is dwelling in ever increasing darkness as the devil lies and misleads millions into violence and sin. Many people seek ways to alleviate the world’s evils and suffering. These all fail because they do not take into account the deceitfulness of our real adversary, nor do they trust in the Lord God Almighty who is ever faithful to His Word. The Lord has called His church to bring the Light of Christ to all these looking for peace. Therefore we must turn away form the world. We cannot get entangled in the devil’s web of deceit by focusing on politics, sports, entertainment, and the lives of celebrities for then we neglect the good news.
Christ came to heal and save those who are weak, powerless and poor. It is our mission to preach to the lost as well as love the poor and oppressed. We must enlighten those who have been blinded by the dark allurements of our sin-filled world. Jesus did this for us so we would not be lost forever in eternal darkness. We live in a time of chaos. People need the comfort and strength that only Jesus can give. And may they find it in we who are His servants.