After the nations were dispersed at Babel and Abram (eventually God's people the Israelites) was chosen as God's portion, it would be easy to assume God had simply abandoned the nations altogether, leaving them to their own destruction, but Isaiah has a different idea.

As a man standing solidly in Gentile territory, I'm grateful the Lord says to His servant that it's not enough to restore Jacob. Israel was never meant to be the end of the story, but an instrument for redeeming the entire world. Even the covenant with Abraham carried a much wider outlook than just saving Israel. Through this one people, blessing would flow which would filter out throughout the entire earth. One nation set apart so one day they could all be brought near.

Yes, God chooses one nation, but He doesn't choose or elect without purpose. He does so with a mission on His mind. He calls in order to send; blesses in order to bless others. Israel's chosen status never indicated God had forgotten or abandoned the other nations. In fact, it was proof He was setting a plan in motion to bring them back into the fold.

This reality sheds much needed light on the story of Jesus. When the Messiah comes as the true Servant, He fulfills what Israel was always meant to embody. He, in and of Himself, is the Light of the nations. In Him, the scattered peoples are not only seen, but pursued. In Jesus, the disinherited are not discarded, the are invited home.

Judgment at Babel was real and just, but it wasn't the end. God's mission remained. And it is still playing out today.

In our religious western church culture, it's really easy to stay focused on our tribe, our preferences, and our own little kingdoms. But His purposes have always been bigger than that.

Where are you tempted to think too narrowly about who God's grace is for? How does this verse help you see the story you are caught up in?

Father, I'm so thankful your purposes for the Gentile were not thwarted by our own rebellion. We praise you even in judgment, as we know it paved the way for ultimate redemption. Help me to see your heart for the nations and not just foster hope for myself and my tribe. Teach me to rejoice in the salvation that reaches the ends of the earth ... and help me to be used as your servant to make that happen. Amen.