The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
    to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
    wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
5 The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears;
    I have not been rebellious,
    I have not turned away.

Many years ago, when I was a pastor at Bridge Street church in Leeds, I was asked to put together a leadership course with a view to training lay-leaders within the church. After I moved on, a good friend and colleague transposed it into a course entitled ‘Training to Serve.’ For a number of years I was given the privilege of going back annually and delivering one session, and my talk was based on the ‘Servant Songs’ in Isaiah. Although these were fulfilled in Jesus, I believe they have much to teach servant-leaders in today’s church. Jesus is much more than our example, but He is our example. He has laid down a pattern for ministry.

Here is something important about Jesus’ speaking ministry (whether to crowds or individuals), and His walk with God. Note the link between the two. Derek Kidner says that the ”morning by morning” suggests ‘a lifelong attentiveness to God’s unfolding will.’

”For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken” John 12:49.

We note Jesus’ walk with God in prayer/communion (4b), and in obedience (5).

What beautiful words:

”The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
    to know the word that sustains the weary.”

I am reminded of Jesus saying:

” “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

We are reminded of the ‘bruised reed’ and the ‘smouldering wick’ of 42:3. There were many such in Israel, and the words of the Servant in this third ‘Servant Song’ are for them first of all. But, as part of Scripture, they are also for us.

We are grateful.