Isaiah is a major prophet from the Old Testament, and he has provided us with the insightful promises of God and our future, he speaks to us even about renewal.

What does Isaiah 42:1-8 have to say about renewal?

 This is the first Servant Song in Isaiah, prophesying the forthcoming wonders and character of the Messiah.

In the ancient Near East, establishing justice was a task assigned to kings, so the Lord’s special Servant is depicted as a royal figure.

 The Servant, Jesus Christ, will be a covenant to the people of the world. That is, all the blessings of the covenant, especially the covenants with Abraham and David, would extend to all people through Him.

Isaiah 42:1-8 is a beautiful passage that introduces the "Servant of the Lord," most often interpreted as a prophecy about the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Here's the passage:

> 1 "Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. > > 2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; > > 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. > > 4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. > > 5 Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: > > 6 "I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, > > 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. > > 8 I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols."

This passage touches on renewal in several ways:

1. Introduction of the Servant: The "Servant" is upheld by God and chosen for a divine mission. The Spirit of God upon the Servant signifies a renewal of leadership and a new era of justice and righteousness.
2. Gentle Justice: The Servant's approach is characterized by gentleness and compassion. The imagery of not breaking a bruised reed or quenching a faintly burning wick symbolizes a renewal of justice that cares for the weak and vulnerable.
3. Perseverance: The Servant will not grow faint or be discouraged until justice is established. This perseverance reflects a commitment to continuous renewal and improvement in the world.
4. Divine Commission: God reaffirms His creative and life-giving power, reminding us that renewal comes from Him. He calls the Servant in righteousness, indicating that the renewal process is rooted in divine purpose and authority.
5. Light to the Nations: The Servant is given as a covenant and a light for the nations. This suggests a renewal that extends beyond Israel to the entire world, bringing hope, healing, and liberation.
6. Restoration: The Servant's mission includes opening the eyes of the blind and freeing prisoners from darkness. This represents a renewal of vision, freedom, and life for those in despair.

Overall, Isaiah 42:1-8 speaks of a profound renewal that God brings through His chosen Servant, characterized by justice, compassion, perseverance, and hope.