There are biblical texts that are simply "amazing" when it comes to Israel. Pastor Tobias Krämer presents some of these "amazing" texts. Today, Isaiah 49:5-6 (Luther 21):
God speaks to his servant: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; but I have also made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” (v. 6)
The Book of Isaiah contains the so-called Servant Songs. These are texts that speak of a special figure. This figure will serve God, and God will use him in a special way. Because this figure is called "Servant of God" (eved Yahweh), these texts are called Servant Songs. Isaiah 49 is one such song.
It speaks of the restoration of Israel. The Servant of the Lord is to “repent Jacob and turn him to Israel, so that Israel will not be swept away” (v. 5). In verse 7, God is even introduced as the “Redeemer of Israel.” That is a powerful statement! We Christians know much about God—that he is gracious, merciful, loving, and faithful—and now we learn that he is also the Redeemer of Israel. It is an interesting experience to address him in prayer for a while like this: “Thank you, Redeemer of Israel, for this good morning…”
Verses 12 and 13 then speak of the many Jews who will make Aliyah, that is, immigrate to Israel. From all corners of the earth, God will bring his people home. This will bring joy and jubilation! Great, worldwide promises are made here concerning Israel. And yet all this is "too little," as it says in verse 6. The addressees of the Book of Isaiah, the Jews, will listen in surprise. What more could one want, what could be greater? But the text is clear: "It is too little that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob..."
The second half of the verse begins with "but." What could possibly be coming next? "But I have also made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." The Servant of the Lord is not only to restore Israel. He is to become a light to the nations and spread God's salvation throughout the world. For the Jews, God's chosen people, this is an immense statement. One could call it "mind-blowing.".
For the Jews of that time, it was a shocking concept that God's salvation would not only restore Israel but extend to the ends of the earth. For us today, it might be the other way around. We find it astonishing that salvation would not only be effective throughout the entire earth but would also restore Israel. Either way, both belong together; both are the task of the Servant of God. From a Christian perspective, the Servant of God is Jesus. Jesus restores Israel, and he spreads salvation throughout the whole earth. He is working on both projects. Even now. Even today.
From: Tobias Krämer
Are you familiar with our podcast "Ask Pastor Tobias"? In it, Tobias Krämer answers questions about Christians and Israel. For many years, he served as a pastor and lecturer in Systematic Theology in Stuttgart. His passion lies in unpacking complex concepts and presenting them in a way that makes them more accessible and understandable. Feel free to send us your questions about Christians and Israel to: [email protected]
