Many of the functions of the modern chaplain or minister more resemble a secular social worker than a messiah.
In Isaiah 53:11 we read, "by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many"; a statement suggesting a primary role of the messiah is that of scholar.
The world is profuse with esteemed universities and smart people, yet the messiah of Isaiah 53 is endowed with knowledge beyond the ability of others to access. This knowledge is not the outcome of schools or innate intellect. It comes from God, as described in Isaiah 11:
[1] And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
[2] And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
[3] And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
[4] But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
[5] And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
COMPLEMENTARY FUNCTIONS
The Apostle Paul discusses the gifts of the Spirit as the complementary rather than competitive functions of the same body of believers.* These gifts are intended to promote unity and love.
The modern chaplain or minister may be able to explain the human life-cycle and traditions associated with major events from birth to death. This is good, but it is still less than God's intent for His people through the messiah.
The messiah in Isaiah 53 is not particularly liked or likable; God's people, including chaplains and ministers, despise and reject him. Yet this messiah is chosen by God and bears all the authority pertaining to this fact. The righteous servant of Isaiah 53 is not chosen because he achieved business success or wealth. God's favor is an endowment of grace rather than achievement.
LESSON OF MOSES
Aaron and Miriam challenged Moses. Miriam objected to the marriage of Moses to a non-Jewish woman. For this, Miriam she was struck with a loathsome disease.** She was healed after Moses prayed for her.
Religion is not a drug to make us feel good, so we should expect a messiah who challenges us even if it hurts. Religion is a commitment vested in faith in the integrity of God.
Even if they mean well, people cannot control a messiah. Otherwise they would not need him. More than a servant of the people, the messiah is a servant of God.
COMMON AND INSPIRED DREAMS
People are demanding new paradigms for solving seemingly intractable problems. A philosophy combining the better spirits of our times is Solidarity. It is new, yet old. It predates Abraham, yet it inspired the Arab Spring.
Solidarity. The word went forth and accomplished what it pleased, like it says in Isaiah 11:4, "he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked". A non-violent ideology won over the weapons of might "because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth" (Isaiah 53:9).
The prayers of the messiah can slay or heal nations, just as the five words of Moses healed Miriam: "O Lord, make her well".***
The messiah of Isaiah 53 seeks neither love nor approval. He is depicted as hiding his face from us.**** He does not vie for popularity or the vote or consensus or coalitions. He does what God demands; that is the extent of the messiah's effort.
CONCLUSION
It is impossible to fashion an authentic messiah into our own image.
We would do well to reflect on God's ways rather than our own by opening our minds to hidden possibilities and judging outcomes rather than persons.
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* 1 Corinthians 12 and 13.
** Numbers 12.
*** Number 12:13, paraphrase.
**** See variant reading of Isaiah 53:3.