Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 43:1-4.
Now this is what the Lord says — the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel — “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior. I have given Egypt as a ransom for you, Cush and Seba in your place. Because you are precious in my sight and honored, and I love you, I will give people in exchange for you and nations instead of your life.”
The prophet Isaiah wrote much about God’s love for His people and how even their sin couldn’t change that. He warned them of the consequences of their disobedience, but with the promise that God corrects those He loves. Paul would later write about this in His letter to the Hebrews, saying “for the Lord disciplines the one he loves and punishes every son he receives” (Hebrews 12:6).
God hasn’t changed, His love for us now is the same as it has always been. Unfortunately, we haven’t really changed either. It is sad to realize we still make the same mistakes as they did, choosing our own way rather than God’s loving plan for us.
However, we can change our behavior as individuals and we can be blessed as part of His plan of salvation to go to the world in His name. God still wants us back! Through prayer, His word and joining together with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we can make a difference.
Gracious God, we are ashamed of the way we often treat each other and the mistakes we repeat. May we turn to You in repentance and accept Your forgiveness. Amen.
