The Obedient Servant (lent poem)

The Obedient Servant

                

1. The Sovereign Lord has given me

a tongue by which I give instruction

to know the word of consolation,

the timely word for those who sigh.

Each morning he calls me to listen

for I must do as I am bidden.

2. My ears are open to the Lord

and I have never been rebellious.

I have obeyed with utmost calmness.

I will not disregard his word

but will accept what he commands me

and do whatever he demands me.

3. I gave my back to cruel beasts,

to those who flogged me without mercy.

My cheeks I gave to those who shamed me.

They pulled my beard out by the roots.

I did not hide my face from mocking

and from their filthy hateful spitting.

4. Because the Sovereign Lord gives aid,

before him I am not embarrassed.

I will trust him though things look bleakest.

And so my face like flint I’ve made.

He will defend my reputation

so that I am by shame not smitten.

5. My Vindicator is so near.

Who then will bring a charge against me?

I challenge them to try confront me.

I don’t think anyone will dare.

I’m ready to face my accuser.

None can condemn me – God’s my helper.

6. His troubled servant God will bless:

He will avenge me for my suffering.

His eyes were open to my writhing.

He saved me from all my distress.

My mockers will wear out like garments

and moths will eat up all the fragments.

George van Popta

Based on  Isaiah 50:4-9

Metre 899D

The Commissioned Servant (a lent poem)

The Commissioned Servant

1. O listen to me, distant nations;

hear this you islands far away:

Before my birth the Lord called me.

He knew my name before creation

of earth and heaven.

2. The Lord called me to preach the gospel.

He made my mouth a sharpened sword

so that I could proclaim his word.

He called me to be ever faithful

and speak what’s truthful.

3. I am God’s arrow, sharp and gleaming.

Inside his quiver I’m concealed.

But then at his time he will wield

me as his weapon – always aiming

for man’s repenting.

4. God said to me, “You are my servant.

You are my herald, Israel.

You must to all my glory tell.

In you I’ll show my splendour brilliant

to near and distant.”

5. But then I said, “They have abhorred me.

My efforts have all been in vain.

My work has met with their disdain.

But, I know God will yet reward me,

with love award me.”

6. And then the Lord gave me a mission –

the One who called me from my birth.

He said, “Go out to all the earth,

beyond the bounds of Israel’s nation

with my salvation.

7. “You will do more than call back Israel –

the tribes of Jacob I have kept.

The nations I also accept.

You will be light for all the Gentiles;

they’ll hear the gospel.”

George van Popta
Based on Isaiah 49:1-6

Metre: 9 8 8 9 5

The Chosen Servant (a lent poem)

The Chosen Servant

1. Look! There’s the servant I uphold,

my chosen one from days of old.

I love him so, he’s my delight;

he comforts wounded in their plight.

2. My Spirit I will give to him;

the light he bears will not grow dim.

He will bring justice to the world;

my word to all will be unfurled.

3. He will not shout or cry aloud

or raise his voice amidst the crowd.

The tender reed he will not break,

nor will he snuff the smould’ring wick.

4. He’ll bring forth justice faithfully;

he will not fail or feel dismay,

until the whole world knows his word.

and all mankind trusts him as Lord.

George van Popta
Based on Isaiah 42:1-4

Illustration by Kristina Mans