A Light to the Nations

Isaiah 42:5-7 (NASB 2020 edition)

5 This is what God the Lord says,
Who created the heavens and stretched them out,
Who spread out the earth and its offspring,
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 also hold You by the hand and watch over You,
And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the nations,

7 To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the dungeon
And those who dwell in darkness from the prison.

REFLECTION

Isaiah 42 introduces the Servant of the Lord, a figure who embodies God’s covenant and brings hope to all nations: “I will make you a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness” (Isaiah 42:6-7). This passage points to Christ, whose mission is to bring freedom, healing, and restoration to people trapped in spiritual and physical darkness.

God’s covenant with Israel was never intended to remain within the boundaries of one nation. Through Christ, this covenant is extended to the whole world. Jesus’ ministry reflected this light in action - He opened blind eyes, healed the brokenhearted, and announced freedom for captives (Luke 4:18-21). His life fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy, and through His death and resurrection, He opened the way for all people to come into God’s kingdom.

Advent invites us to remember that Christ’s light still shines today. His mission did not end with His earthly ministry; it continues through His people, empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we reflect on Isaiah’s words, we are reminded of the global scope of God’s mission and His invitation to participate in it. At NAMS we are dedicated to this task. Our Mission Bases have been actively training church planters across the USA, the UK, India, Thailand, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Spain, Brazil, and Venezuela. So far in 2024, we’ve launched 36 new churches, and we look forward to planting even more next year!

Join us as through Christ, the hope of redemption reaches every corner of the earth, bringing light to all who sit in darkness.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for sending Jesus as a light to the nations. Open my eyes to see how You are working in the world today. Use me as an instrument of Your light and healing, so that others may know the freedom and hope found in You. Amen.

Written by the Rev. Isaac Lasky (Thailand), Prior of the Missional Base in Asia and Director of the GAP Program.