I have read this passage from Isaiah numerous times. Today however it seemed to have a much deeper and personal meaning to me. I am realizing that the Spirit of God is encouaraging me to not stop looking to Jesus and to God for my inspiration for life and purpose. This passage is part of my callig as a servant of God. Although it originally describes the ministy of Christ, and I have been somewhat reluctant to apply it to myself, in an attempt of humility, I realized that God’s promises cannot make us proud. They humble us, if we would respond in the right way. And to be a bit more specific about the passage – I think that the ministry God’s called me to is indeed setting captives free, through the Word of God and through calling people to fall back on the basic need – to make right with God. I realize how incapable I am of this unless God really blesses me with His presence and guidance so I can do His will.

1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
5 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.