'I Will Give Him as a Light of the Nations'

Isaiah continues:  "This is what the true God, Jehovah, has said, the Creator of the heavens  and the Grand One stretching them out; the One laying out the earth and its produce, the One giving breath to the people on it, and spirit to those walking in it."  (Isaiah 42:5)  What a powerful description of Jehovah, the Creator!  This reminder of Jehovah's might gives  great weight to his utterance.  Jehovah says: "I  myself, Jehovah, have called you in righteousness, and I proceeded to take hold of your hand. And I shall safeguard you and give you as a covenant of the people, as a light of the nations, for you to open the blind eyes, to bring forth out of the dungeon the prisoner, out of the house of detention those sitting in darkness." -Isaiah 42:6, 7.

The Grand Creator of the universe, the Giver and Sustainer of life, takes hold of his Chosen Servant's hand and promises full and constant support.  How reassuring that is!  Furthermore, Jehovah keeps him safe so as to give him as "a covenant of the people." A covenant is a contract, a compact, a solemn promise.  It is a sure ordinance.  Yes, Jehovah has made his Servant "a pledge to the people." -An American Translation.

As "a light to the nations," the promised Servant will open "the blind eyes" and liberate  "those sitting in the darkness."  This Jesus did. By bearing witness to the truth, Jesus glorified the name of his heavenly Father.  (John 17:4, 6)  He laid bare religious falsehoods, preached the good news of the Kingdom, and opened the door to spiritual freedom for those in religious bondage.  (Matthew 15:3-9; Luke 4:3; John 18:37) He warned against performing works that belong to darkness and exposed Satan as "the father of the lie' and "the ruler of this world." -John 3:19-21; 8:44; 16:11.

Jesus said: "I am the light of this world."  (John 8:12) He proved to be so in an outstanding way when he offered his perfect human life as a ransom.  Thus he opened up the way for those who exercise faith to have forgiveness of sins, an approved relationship with God, and the prospect of eternal life.  (Matthew 20:28; John 3:16)  By maintaining perfect godly devotion throughout his life, Jesus upheld Jehovah's sovereignty and proved the  Devil a liar.  Jesus truly was a giver of sight to the blind and a liberator of those imprisoned  in spiritual darkness.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his disciples:  "You are the light of the world."  (Matthew 5:14) Are we not also light bearers?  By our way of life and by our preaching work, we have the privilege of directing others to Jehovah, the Source of true enlightenment.  In imitation of Jesus, we make known Jehovah's name, uphold his sovereignty, and proclaim  His Kingdom as mankind's only hope.  Further, as light bearers we expose religious falsehoods, warn against unclean works that belong to darkness, and expose Satan, the wicked one. -Acts 1:8; 1 John 5:19.

Next time: "Sing to Jehovah a New Song"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001