Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 43:1-7.
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
God has promised to gather the faithful in the last days. This passage tells the people that God is with those who trust in Him. The prophet Isaiah who often had hard words for Israel shares the love God has for all His children.
We may not face the trials and dangers that were common then, but we are assailed by sin just as they were. God’s promise is eternal and unchanging, the same for us as for all who have come before. We must remember how much He loves us and through our obedience and care for each other, show how much we love Him.
God says “I have called you by name and you are mine” (v. 1). How wonderful to be connected personally to our Creator! Let this promise of redemption be the focus of all we do, that when Jesus returns for us, we will be ready.
Heavenly Father, we are amazed at the depth of Your love for us. Make us strong in faith and love that we may share the Gospel with everyone. Amen.