A Light to the Nations
Scripture — Isaiah 49:6 (NRSV)
[The Lord] says,
“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
Focus
It is a shocking thing to hear God say to God’s own Servant that it is too light a thing for the Servant to save Israel alone. Yet what astoundingly good news it is that God’s Servant will be a “light to the nations” who extends salvation “to the end of the earth.” Not only are we beneficiaries of this salvation, but also we are tasked with sharing God’s salvation with others.
Devotion
This verse from Isaiah is doubly shocking. First, given how much of Isaiah has focused on the ultimate restoration of Israel, it’s surprising to read that God’s Servant will do more than “raise up the tribes of Jacob” (49:6). The original language of this verse could be translated: “It is too light or easy a thing that you should be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob.” Restoring Israel, however important that might be, is not nearly enough for God’s Servant. That’s unexpected!
The second surprise of this passage elaborates upon the first. The Lord says to the Servant: “I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (49:6). God is not satisfied merely to save Israel. Ultimately, the whole world will experience the saving power of God. The divine work with Israel is not for Israel’s sake alone, but also for the sake of all nations.
When we read this passage as Christians, we rightly see a pointed prophecy of the ministry of Jesus, the ultimate Servant of God. He came, not just for Israel, but to bring God’s salvation to the world. Moreover, we are reminded by this passage from Isaiah that we have been saved, not only for our benefit, but also to benefit those around us. Like Israel, we are to be a channel of God’s grace to the world, beginning with our neighbor across the street or the woman who works in the office next to us.
It’s a wonderful thing to be saved by God. No doubt about it. Yet, for us, it is “too light a thing” merely to enjoy our own salvation. Rather, as those who have been saved by God, we are to be reflections, expressions, and extensions of God’s salvation throughout the world. We do this wherever we are: at work or in the voting booth, coaching soccer or feeding the homeless, buying our groceries, or giving generously to worthy organizations. God has saved us by grace through faith that we might live each day as new creations, walking in the good works God has for us to do (see Eph 2:8-10).
Reflect
Are you living as a light to your neighbors? How?
What might you do today that would reflect the love of God to others?
How could you embody the salvation of God in your daily work?
Act
Ask the Lord how you might reflect divine light in the world today. Then, act as God leads you.
Pray
Gracious God, as a Gentile, I am grateful beyond words for the scope of your salvation. Thank you for including me among your people.
Lord Jesus, today, I honor you as God’s Servant, the light to the nations. In you, we see God. Through you, we receive the salvation of God.
Today, I am also reminded that I am to live as a light to the world. May your love, truth, and grace shine through me to others. May I be a reflector of you in my workplace, in the community, among my friends, in my family, and wherever I am in the world. Amen.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: A Light to the Nations.
Mark D. Roberts
Senior Strategist
Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Strategist for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders,...