Words to Grow a New People: Isaiah 40-66

I've found a few passages that I believe are perfect for our beginning church: Isaiah 40-66, Paul's letter to the Ephesian church, and the Sermon on the Mount.

Isaiah 40-66 (and many thanks to Eugene Peterson for his profound thoughts on this, from his book "The Jesus Way") are the words of "the Prophet" to the Israelites who are returning from exile. They are a people who are not yet a people. A ragamuffin community who're just beginning to form, whose only identity is as slaves in a foreign culture. At this point they have no culture or identity of their own. It's the beginning of a new community, and what will it look like?

The Prophet speaks these words to centre this new people around God, to grow a people who represent God's heart and passion. They are nothing ("a lowly worm" - 41:14), BUT... "I will help you," says the Lord. A crippled and flightless bird, rescued and gently carried by the Lion.

GOD will grow his people. He has been doing it all along. It is Jesus' job to grow his church. He is the Great Church Planter. We're just joining in with him. This gives us incredible hope.

"Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
I have put my Spirit upon him.
He will bring justice to the nations.

"He will not shout
or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.

"He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
He will not falter or lose heart
until justice prevails throughout the earth.
Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction."

- Isaiah 42:1-4

He's still doing it. Jesus is still working to bring justice and peace throughout all the earth. It's not a peace or justice accomplished through violence, or power, shouting or raising voices, crushing reeds and putting out flickering candles. It's not a revolution that will be seen in public - it might hardly be noticed at all. But it will happen. It is already. The Kingdom of Heaven - Jesus' Kingdom of light - is already breaking in. It's already advancing. And he will not falter or lose heart until he's finished, until Peace is here.