“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;
and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
– Matthew 12:18-21
This is Jesus, as prophesied by Isaiah and fulfilled by the perfect life and sacrificial death of our Savior! This is Who we are commanded to follow, imitate, and obey. Does this also describe His church? Does this describe His people? Does this describe you?
Note well, the character and concerns of Jesus. He proclaims (=pursues, enacts, values, treasures) justice in the power of the Holy Spirit. However, He does so without quarreling, shouting, snarling, fighting, or biting. He isn’t running wild in the streets. He isn’t hurtful, cruel, violent, or vicious in how He accomplishes His mission. Yes, one day He will return victoriously triumphant over all evil, yet even then, His sword is His Word.
Are we truly striving every day to live as Spirit-filled servants of God following our humble and suffering Savior?