Isaiah 42:1-4 (NLT)
“‘Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.'”
When Jesus got baptized in Matthew 3:16-17, this prophecy was directly fulfilled when “he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.'” Later when Jesus was arrested and on trial in Matthew 26:63, he fulfilled another piece of this prophecy as he remained silent before the judge. On the cross, Jesus brought justice in Luke 23:34 the moment he said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” and later in verse 43 when he forgave one of the criminals hanging beside him.
So many examples come to mind as I think about ways Jesus fulfilled all of the aspects of this prophecy. The woman accused of adultery, the calming of the sea, the forgiveness of sins that he gave to so many. Jesus was acting on God’s behalf, which no one but God himself can do. These are some of the reasons that Jesus’ deity is central to the Christian faith. And his reign continues.
These verses say that our Savior “will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth.” Countless times I have faltered or lost heart, and yet Jesus has not. I lose hope, he does not. I wonder how good can come from tragedy, he does not. Jesus will prevail, and he will not ever stop fighting Satan on our behalf until justice is complete. Don’t give up — he’s not finished just yet.