Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Jesus' baptism: a symbol of solidarity with humanity
Isaiah 42:1-7
Vs 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.”
In Isaiah 42, the prophet announces a new assurance and a vision to the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon, where future of the people was in great peril. Isaiah assures them that the God of the universe   is   listening to the righteous people of the Israel and to all those scattered out in the lands of the earth.   The vision proclaimed is related to the coming of a servant who is chosen by God and a source of delight for God.  God will place His spirit upon this servant who is able to bring justice to the nations, to be a light, to open the blind eyes, and to bring out prisoners. 
The prophet proclaims that God acts in particular ways.  First - God sends a spirit-filled servant – a bruised reed, who will be a liberator and will bring justice to all everywhere not only to Israelites.    Secondly – God purposes His people to be light of the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out prisoners who sit in darkness.   This is good news to the exiled people; because it is an assurance that God of the universe has not abandoned them, but is restoring them to be a blessing.
In Mathew 3 when Jesus was baptized, God's spirit descended upon him and He was delighted in him. The relationship here is not God and servant, but God and His beloved Son. “This is my son with whom I am well pleased(Matthew 3:17)”.   Isaiah's servant figure reflects the identity of the Son of God.
                As we are celebrating Epiphany thousands of years later, to us Christians, Jesus is Lord and the Son of God. Through His divine servanthood and His baptism, he gives us an opportunity to renew our commitment to serve the world with hope and justice, uplifting the poor, the marginalized and the voiceless, thus showing our solidarity with them. So, brothers and sisters who are baptized in Christ, can we incorporate our solidarity with the suffering humanity? That realization can make all the difference.
PRAYER
Lord God, thank you for your beloved Son, who through His life-giving Spirit renews and transforms us every day and draws us closer to you in love, Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Let us renew our commitment to serve the world in solidarity with Christ and His baptism.
Dr. John K. Thomas, Tabore MTC, Staten Island NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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