June 13, 2004

THE POLISHED SHAFT

"In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, and made Me a polished shaft; in His quiver He has hidden Me" (Isaiah 49:2, NKJV).

Nestled among the numerous names of the Messiah is the interesting title "The Polished Shaft." It is one of Isaiah's unique portrayals of the Messiah.

In this prophecy, Isaiah pictures Christ as engaged in a double task of restoration and redemption. Israel is to be restored, and the Gentiles are to receive the light of the gospel. The prophet focuses on Christ, the promised Messiah, whose singular mission is to bring salvation to the human race (see Matthew 1:20, 21). The penetrating effectiveness of Christ's mission is here likened to the piercing power of a polished shaft or arrow.

The arrow in Isaiah's day was made of three parts--a pointed head made of flint, a shaft of polished wood, and a feather at the end to guide the arrow in a straight course. Figuratively, the "polished shaft" describes the accuracy, precision, and penetrating power of Christ's mission to the world. As a "polished shaft," Christ would penetrate the world with the good news of salvation. Speaking of the completion of His mission, Jesus could confidently say to His Father, "I have finished the work which You have given Me to do" (John 17:4, NKJV). His mission was successfully completed, and He could announce, "Mission accomplished!"

As the "polished shaft," Christ came to penetrate the world with the good news of hope, salvation, and eternal life. God's people are His helping hands in taking this good news to the ends of the earth. This is His divine strategy for the final restoration.

My Prayer Today: Lord, help me to proclaim the good news of a mission accomplished. Amen.