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
Based on Isaiah 49:1-6
Metre:
9 8 8 9 5
