"A Light of the Naitons"

In Isaiah's prophecy, Jehovah encourages the Messiah by reminding him that being God's Servant is no "trivial matter." Jesus is "to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back even the safeguarded ones of Israel."  Jehovah additionally explains:  "I also have given you for a light of the nations, that my salvation  may come to be to the extremity of the earth."  (Isaiah 49:6)  How does Jesus enlighten peoples "to the extremity of the earth" when his earthly ministry is restricted to Israel? 

The Bible record shows that God's  "light of the nations" was not extinguished with Jesus' departure from the earthly scene.  About 15 years after Jesus' death, the missionaries Paula and Barnabas quoted the prophecy of Isaiah 49:6 and applied it to Jesus' disciples, his spiritual brothers.  They explained:  Jehovah has laid commandment upon us  in these words, 'I have appointed you as a light of nations, for you to be a salvation to the extremity of the earth,' "  (Acts 13:47)  Before his own death, Paul saw the good news of salvation made available  to not only the Jews but "all creation that is under heaven."  (Colossians 1:6, 23)  Today, the remaining ones of Christ's anointed brothers continue this work.  Supported by "a great crowd" numbering into the millions, they serve as "a light to the nations" in more than 230 lands around the world. -Revelation 7:9.

Jehovah has indeed proved to be the strength behind his Servant the Messiah, the anointed brothers of the Messiah, and all those of the great crowd who, with them, continue the work of preaching the good news.  True, like Jesus, his disciples have faced disdain and opposition.  (John 15:20)  But in his due time, Jehovah always causes a reversal of circumstances in order to rescue and reward his loyal servants. Regarding the Messiah, who is "despised in soul" and "detested by the nation,"  Jehovah promises:  "Kings themselves will see an certainly rise up, and princes, and they will bow down, by reason of Jehovah, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who chooses you." -Isaiah 49:7.

Later the apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Philippi about this foretold reversal of circumstances. He described Jesus as someone who had been humiliated on a torture stake but then was exalted by God. Jehovah gave his Servant "a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend."  (Philippians 2:8-11) Christ's faithful followers have been warned that they too will be persecuted .  But like the Messiah, they are assured of Jehovah's goodwill. -Matthew 5:10-12; 24:9-13; Mark 10:29, 30.

Next time: "The Especially Acceptable Time"

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