Crisis ConvertedSample

Theme: Freedom

Crisis Converted Then:

Whereas in 42:1-4 the servant is applauded for his role in giving justice, the servant in this text practices this justice by releasing the prisoners and captives from their bondage. Even the imagery of opening the eyes of the blind is related not to healing of blindness but to providing light to those sitting in the pitch black of prison cells. Surely in Babylonian captivity, this language would have been not only figurative but also literal. 

Crisis Converted Now:

Justice, righteousness and covenant are all necessary for freedom. We imagine a world without justice, righteousness and covenants as the ultimate freedom - as if a land without laws would allow for freedom. Yet, the truth is that real freedom can only come in righteousness (our right standing before God), covenant (God’s promise to us), and justice. Because we are unrighteous and break covenant, our freedom only comes in God’s servant granting us freedom.