During World War II, a Japanese soldier named Hiroo Onoda was sent to the remote Philippine jungle with orders to resist enemy forces at all costs. Unaware that the war had ended, he continued his mission for nearly thirty years, surviving in the wilderness, holding onto his duty, and refusing to surrender. Every attempt to inform him that peace had come was dismissed as enemy propaganda. It wasn’t until 1974, when his former commanding officer personally came to relieve him of his duty, that he finally laid down his weapons and stepped into a world he no longer recognised.
Onoda’s story is a striking reflection of a deeper truth. Like him, many live as though the war is still raging, unaware that peace has already been won. Isaiah’s Songs of the Servant point to a reality greater than any human conflict—the victory of Christ, the true Servant, who bore our suffering and brought reconciliation through his sacrifice. As Isaiah foretold: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). His work is complete, and yet, so many still live burdened, fighting battles he has already won.
we are called to recognise the Servant’s work and respond
We struggle with guilt over past sins, forgetting that Christ has already atoned for them. We live in fear of the future, as though God’s victory is not assured. We strive to earn God’s favour through our own efforts, as if grace were not readily given. We hold onto grudges, resisting the forgiveness we ourselves have received. These are the battles we continue to fight, unaware that the Servant has already secured our peace.
Jesus himself declared this finished work on the cross, crying out, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The Servant of Isaiah is none other than Christ, who has brought us out of darkness and into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9). Yet how often do we cling to our fears and burdens as if the battle is still ours to fight?
As we begin our new series in Isaiah and prepare for Lent, we are called to recognise the Servant’s work and respond. As we work through this new series let’s look for ways that we can lay down our burdens and step into the freedom Jesus offers. Lent is a season of reflection and renewal, a time to acknowledge that the Servant has come, has suffered, and has brought peace. As Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Let’s live in that truth and step into the peace that has already been won.
