The OT reading for Holy Week's Wednesday

Isaiah 49:1-6 (Contemporary English Version)


The Work of the LORD's Servant

1 Everyone, listen,
even you foreign nations
across the sea.

The LORD chose me
and gave me a name
before I was born.


2 He made my words pierce
like a sharp sword
or a pointed arrow;
he kept me safely hidden
in the palm of his hand.

3 The LORD said to me,
"Israel, you are my servant;
and because of you
I will be highly honored."

4 I said to myself,
"I'm completely worn out;
my time has been wasted.
But I did it for the LORD God,
and he will reward me."

5 Even before I was born,
the LORD God chose me
to serve him and to lead back
the people of Israel.
So the LORD has honored me
and made me strong.


6 Now the LORD says to me,
"It isn't enough for you
to be merely my servant.
You must do more than lead back
survivors from the tribes of Israel.
I have placed you here as a light
for other nations;
you must take my saving power
to everyone on earth."