The Hero We All Need! Isaiah 42:1-9  

Written By Info High Pointe

What if the hero we need doesn't shout, doesn't swagger, and doesn't break what's already broken? 

As we begin another year, we can feel overwhelmed.  Kind of like a Superhero movie: the world is broken and our efforts seem tiny and maybe even useless.  We may quietly wonder if anything will really change. Isaiah 42:1-9 speaks directly into that ache by introducing not a flashy conqueror, but God's Servant Savior Jesus—powerful but gentle, Spirit-filled, and absolutely certain to finish His mission. 

God says, "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight…He will bring justice to the nations." This justice is more than right court decisions; it is God setting all relationships right—with Himself, with others, and even with creation. And He does it in a surprising way: not shouting in the streets, not crushing bruised reeds or snuffing out smoldering wicks, but patiently restoring the weak and worn out.  Father, Son and Holy Spirit working together to bring glory to God.  

That is very good news for a weary January soul. It means that when your faith feels fragile or your obedience inconsistent, Jesus doesn’t discard us. He forgives us, tends us, and restores us like a flickering candle wick, back into a bright flame that shines in a dark world. 

But Isaiah 42 is not only comfort; it is a calling. If this is how our Servant-Savior lives and works, then this is the pattern for living like Jesus in the new year: 

  • Treat the "bruised reeds" around you with His gentleness, not harshness. Trust in and rest in Christ.  

  • Pursue biblical justice as right relationships—starting with repentance and reconciliation at home, work, and church. 

  • Refuse the role of hero; Walk by the Spirit and point all glory to God while quietly, faithfully doing the good before you, pointing others to your great Servant Savior.  

We can’t bring the kingdom in, but we do walk with the One who will. And when discouragement whispers that nothing is changing, return to this Servant Song and hear God's voice: "I will take hold of your hand; I will keep you; I've told you in advance the mission will succeed." Not "you've got this," but "We've got this"—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This year, walk in the confidence that God is at work, Christ is coming again, and your small acts of faithfulness matter in His unstoppable Kingdom plan. 

 

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

 Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

 

Year-End Giving 

 Important Tax Information Regarding Your 2025 Contributions  

Contribution statements will be emailed on or before Tuesday, January 20th. Please make sure your email address is current.   

  • Anyone who does not have an email address on file with the church may request their statement by emailing finance@highpointeaustin.org or by calling the church office at 512-837-7725.  

  • If you file your federal income tax return before receiving a qualified contribution statement from the church, you may not be able to deduct individual contributions of $250 or more.   

  • Year-end contributions must be submitted or mailed by 31 December. The general rule is that a contribution is considered received or effective when delivered. A check dropped in a church offering box in January of 2026 cannot be deducted in 2025, even if it is backdated to 2025. One exception – checks mailed and postmarked in 2025 are deductible in 2025, even if they are not received until 2026. 

 

Resources of the Week 

   

Life at High Pointe  

High Pointe Christmas Missions Offering; $31,434.75 received so far! 
During this Christmas season, High Pointe will be collecting a special Christmas Missions Offering. The goal is to raise $27,000 in support of IMB Middle East Partners, Ekklesia Afrika, and N. Africa Partners. For ways to give, please click here. 

Meaningful Membership Class | January 11  
Join us for our next Meaningful Membership class to learn more about becoming a member of High Pointe Baptist Church. The class covers the following three areas: (1) What is the Church & Why Should I Join? (2) What does High Pointe Believe? (3) What You Need To Know About High Pointe? Register here. 

Women’s Bible Studies and High Pointe Institute Begin January 28  
Mark your calendars as both the morning and evening Women’s Bible Studies and High Pointe Institute begin on January 28.  

Spring Life Classes | Resume January 25 
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Spring Life Classes will resume January 25. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!  

 Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

  • January 4 | New Year’s Sermon | Being and Making Whole-hearted Followers of Christ | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • January 11 | Habakkuk 1:1-11 | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • January 18 | Habakkuk 1:12-2:5 | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • January 25 | Habakkuk 3:1-19 | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • February 1 | Luke 13:1-9 | Unless You Repent, You Too Will Perish | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • February 8 | Isaiah 44:9-20 | Idolatry is Futile | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • February 15 | Isaiah 49:1-13| Mission Extended | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • February 22 | Luke 13:10-17 | What is the Point of the Sabbath? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

 Gospel Partner of the Month: The P Family (High Pointe Members) 
J.P. and E.P. recently relocated to begin language and cultural immersion as they pursue long-term work in their new city. They are navigating the challenges of joining a new team while adjusting to a small fellowship. Please pray for their consistency and perseverance in language acquisition, for deep and authentic friendships to develop, and for their children to thrive and find joy during this significant transition. 

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Info High Pointe
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Building a Financial Foundation for Fruitful Ministry