[1] “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.

[2] He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.

[3] A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

[4] he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

[5] This is what God the Lord says—the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it:

[6] “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,

[7] to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

Isaiah 42:1-7

Dear God, what kind of god talks like that? The gods I read about other than you are so selfish and insecure. It makes me wonder how “Allah” speaks in the Koran. They trace back to Abraham. Do they see you as interested in justice? Do they see the bruised reed you offer us in verse three? Does Allah offer hope? Does he hold their hands and call them to be a light to others? Does he open their eyes and free those in bondage?

The God of the Bible is absolutely amazing, and seemingly unique, or at least rare. I can’t imagine any of the Greek, Roman, Norse, or any other gods talking like this. They were made from men and those gods were made in man’s image. Based on the knowledge of ourselves. But we are made in your image. You are calling us to this higher standard that isn’t wallowing in insecurity and self-pity. It’s the standard set by a god, THE God, who is totally secure in himself. You don’t need to show off your majesty and power. It’s just there and we can’t help but see it.

Father, help me to know how to embrace the comfort in my own skin that you call me to. Help me to be part of bringing your justice and love into your world. Help me let go of the older son (see the Prodigal Son parable) in me and join the celebration. Help me to delight with you and be generous to a fault because I can rest in the abundance of your love.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen