Isaiah 49:1-5

Hear me, people by the sea. Listen to me, you faraway nations. The LORD called me before I was born. He called my name while I was still in my mother’s womb. He used me to speak for him. He used me like a sharp sword, but he also held me in his hand to protect me. He used me like a sharp arrow, but he also kept me safe in his arrow bag. He told me, “Israel, you are my servant. I will do wonderful things with you.” I said, “I worked hard for nothing. I wore myself out, but I did nothing useful. I used all my power, but I did not really do anything. So the LORD must decide what to do with me. He must decide my reward.” The LORD is the one who made me in my mother’s womb, so that I could be his servant. He wanted me to lead Jacob and Israel back to him. The LORD gives me honor. I get my strength from my God.