Our scripture today is Isaiah 43:1 (ESV).
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
From the very beginning God has wanted to be part of our lives and for our lives to be part of what He is doing in the world. He formed us in His own image, the only things in all of creation to receive that gift. When God says “I have called you by name, you are mine” He refers to all of us collectively and each of us individually. In Matthew 10:26-33 Jesus tells us that if God knows the fall of every sparrow, how much more so is He aware of us? He calls us to trust Him and walk by faith.
Loving Lord, You created us out of love that we might be Your partners in the world. We have failed You, yet You continue to wait for our repentance and return. Forgive us, strengthen us, and send us to do the work You have for us. Amen.
