The theme of the reward and exaltation of the servant is a profound and recurring motif in the Scriptures, particularly in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament and the teachings of the New Testament. This concept is intricately linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is often identified as the ultimate Servant of the Lord.

Old Testament Foundations

The prophecy of Isaiah provides a foundational understanding of the Servant's role and subsequent exaltation. Isaiah 52:13-15 introduces the Servant with the words, "Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted." This passage anticipates the Servant's success and honor, despite the suffering described in the subsequent chapter, Isaiah 53. The Servant's suffering is portrayed as a means of atonement, bearing the iniquities of many, which leads to His ultimate reward and exaltation.

Isaiah 53:11-12 further elaborates on this theme: "After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He poured out His life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors." Here, the Servant's reward is directly connected to His sacrificial role and His successful mission of redemption.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the theme of the Servant's reward and exaltation is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, captures this beautifully in Philippians 2:5-11. Paul exhorts believers to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." Christ's humility and obedience, even to the point of death on a cross, lead to His exaltation: "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

The Book of Hebrews also emphasizes the reward of the Servant, highlighting Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:2 states, "For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." This passage underscores the joy and honor that follow Christ's suffering and obedience.

Theological Implications

The reward and exaltation of the Servant carry significant theological implications. They affirm the divine approval and vindication of the Servant's mission. The exaltation of Christ serves as a testament to His victory over sin and death, providing assurance of salvation for believers. It also establishes a pattern for Christian discipleship, where suffering and service in the name of Christ lead to future glory and reward.

The exaltation of the Servant is not only a personal vindication but also a cosmic event, as it establishes Christ's lordship over all creation. This exaltation is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers anticipate the full realization of Christ's reign and the consummation of His kingdom.