GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Cor. 1:1-9; John 1:29-34

Introduction

And John said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). To behold, is to see or observe - to gaze upon someone or something, especially of remarkable or impressive nature. It is the attention we give to one we have never seen before or one we have been looking for or yearning to see for a long time. 

Behold the Servant of God

The Israelites at that time, were in expectation to behold the Messiah (John 1:41; 4:24), one who is the Christ. So in John 1:29, in fulfillment of Isaiah 49 servant of the Lord, John, the baptizer presented Jesus Christ to the people. The people did not expect the Messiah to come from Nazareth and be in a humble state but expected a warrior, a fighter, one who would bring judgment on the Romans and bring them their freedom. So John says, "“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’" John 1:29-30 (ESV)

Precious one, you need to behold the Servant of God because you are looking at the wrong places and the wrong signs. Do you really believe in the Son of God? Have you met Christ, the Servant of the LORD yet?

The Servant

A person who is under submission to another is deemed to be a servant. For us Christians, our submission to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ makes us God's servants.

Every servant of God receives the call. "The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name." Isaiah 49:1 (ESV) The apostle puts it, "Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus..." 1 Corinthians 1:1 (ESV) 

God chooses whom to call at every given time (Mark 3:13) For this John testified about the voice of God, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11 (ESV)

Have you honestly received God's call and faithfully responded to it? God is calling you today, receive Him and be saved.

Again, the servant is first called to be with God (the Master). This a hideout for nurturing and preparation to carry the task of the call. "He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away." Isaiah 49:2 (ESV)

Jesus called His disciples to be with Him for nurturing through teachings. Before you are brought out to be held by people, you must first be nurtured. In Asante, before one is shown to the people as a chief, he is kept in-door for some time to be nurtured.

Apostle Paul gives thanks for the proper nurturing of the people that have been enriched in speech and all knowledge (1 Cor. 1:5). 

We are mostly quick to receive public recognition whiles skipping God's nurturing and preparation. The strong desire for fame and trending status makes us lose the deep enrichment of God for His divine purpose. 

In addition, the servant of God has a task to fulfill, which glorifies the Lord. "And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”" Isaiah 49:3 (ESV)

The servant works for the glorification of the Master. Jesus said, "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." John 15:8 (ESV)

On this earth, human beings always carry a yoke. The yoke of Satan or that of God. Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”" Matthew 11:29-30 (ESV) This is to say, in our quest to serve, let us faithfully serve the Lord because of His mercies and grace. 

Conclusion 

God expects our loyalty to Him as His servant just as Christ did. He says, "so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:7-9 (ESV)

Precious one, see and receive the Servant of the Lord as you be like Him for His glory, Amen!

Shalom aleichem...