A Polished Shaft Hidden in His Quiver

In one paragraph

Pastor Ray walked through the second of Isaiah's servant songs, Isaiah 49:1-13, showing how it fits into a larger picture that Isaiah began in chapter 42. The sermon traced how the servant described in those passages finds his ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, and what that means for the people who follow him now. Pastor Ray opened in Isaiah 42, the first servant song, as necessary background for...

Read together

1. Isaiah 42:1-9 First servant song, introduction of God's servant, read in full as lead-up to Isaiah 49
2. Isaiah 42:10 Closing verse of first servant song, the coastlands hook connecting to Isaiah 49
3. Isaiah 49:1-13 Main text of the sermon, the second servant song
4. Isaiah 9:6 Quoted as another Isaiah forecast of Christ, read in full
5. Ephesians 6 Referenced for the sword of the Spirit as the only offensive weapon in the full armor of God
6. Revelation 19:15 Sharp sword coming from the mouth of Christ, quoted to show Isaiah 49 points to second coming as well
7. Matthew 26:37-39 Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus sorrowful and praying for the cup to pass, illustrating the humanity of Christ
8. Mark 15:34 Jesus crying out from the cross, Eloi Eloi Lama Sabachthani, illustrating the feeling of labor in vain
9. Hebrews 5:7 Jesus offering prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears, hurt because of his reverent submission
10. 1 Peter 2 Quoted at length about Christ suffering as an example, entrusting himself to the one who judges righteously
11. Psalm 67 Quoted in full as an example of Israel called to be a light to the nations, the spreading circle of God's blessing
12. Psalm 96
13. Psalm 117 Quoted in full, praise the Lord all nations for his loving kindness
14. Acts 13 Paul and Barnabas quoting Isaiah 49:6, turning to the Gentiles after Jewish rejection, Gentiles rejoicing
15. 2 Corinthians 6:2 At just the right time I heard you, on the day of salvation I helped you, applied to Christ and believers
16. John 17:13-21 Jesus's high priestly prayer, praying for unity of believers including all who would believe through the disciples' word
17. Psalm 133:1-3 Read as benediction, how good and pleasant for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity

Talk about it

1. Pastor Ray shared how Moses found himself with his back to the Red Sea even though God had led him every step of the way there. Have you ever been in a situation where following God faithfully seemed to land you in a harder spot, not an easier one? How did you respond?
2. The sermon described Israel as called to be a light to the nations, but said they often fell into the darkness of the nations around them instead. In what ways do you think Christians today face a similar pull, and what helps you stay oriented toward being a light rather than being absorbed into the surrounding culture?
3. Pastor Ray read from First Peter that Christ, while suffering, kept on entrusting himself to the one who judges righteously. What does it look like practically to keep entrusting yourself to God when you feel like your effort is going nowhere or your situation feels unjust?
4. The sermon pointed to Psalm 67 and said the reason we look to God for blessing is not for our own comfort but so that his way may be known on the earth. How does that reframe the way you think about praying for God's blessing in your own life?
5. Pastor Ray read from John 17 that Jesus prayed specifically for unity among all who would believe through the disciples' word, which includes us. What is one thing that makes unity in a church or among the churches of a community genuinely difficult, and what would it cost you personally to pursue it anyway?