Tag: Isaiah 43:1-3
The Holy One, Your Savior!
Scripture reading for July 9: Isaiah 43: 1-3 “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. 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, the flame shall not consume you. For I Am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.””
As we continue to explore Scriptures in Isaiah where God declares His “I Am” Name to encourage His people, we come to His declaration that He is the “Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” The Holy One declares God’s perfection in every way. He created the universe and man in particular. He formed the nation of Israel from Abraham, His friend. He called them all by name. “Jacob” was originally a cheat and one who wrestled with God. God changed his name to “Israel” meaning subdued by God. The Holy One of Israel was with them to help even in their weakness.
God redeemed His people from slavery in Egypt. He called them out of Egypt and lead them through the rivers and waters and the fiery desert. He proved His holiness and love through becoming their Savior and Redeemer. He tested their faith through their deliverance. They learned through the experience of going through the deep waters and the fire that God’s presence would sustain them and save them. He truly was their Holy One and Savior present with them on their journey to their eternal home.
These precious Scriptures remind us today that God is our “Holy One” and our “Savior” in whatever trial we are encountering on our journey through life’s wilderness. There are no waters to deep to walk through with Him nor is there a fire too hot that the flames will hurt us. We have His Holy Word and He is with us through His Holy Spirit!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for encouraging us with these “I Am” reminders. As I walk through life, empower me to declare by faith my identity as Your child, called by name. Make me holy as You are Holy! Amen.
“Fear not!”
Scripture reading for July 29: Isaiah 44-48
Comfort is needed when people have been through the fire of judgment or discipline. God is a God of all comfort and one of the ways He comforts us is to encourage us not to be afraid. It is said that the term “fear not” or variations of this phrase is used 366 times in the Bible. This means that there are enough verses for every day of the year–even leap year! God knows we need this encouragement. Let’s look as some things God encourages us to not be afraid of and see our hope begin to rise!
In Isaiah 43:1-3, God tells His people to not be afraid when they pass through the rivers or walk through the fire. He has redeemed them and they belong to Him. He promised to be with them and protect them no matter what the trouble. He will ransom them and redeem them and gives His word!
In Isaiah 44:1-5, God tells His people to not be afraid for their children! We can trust the Lord to pour out His Spirit on our offspring and His blessing on our descendants. When we follow the Lord and live by faith, God takes care of our kids! He is able to guide them and help them to choose to walk by faith too! Let’s say “amen” to this promise and live free from fear for our children’s future.
In Isaiah 44:6-8, God encourages His people to not be afraid of the future. He is their redeemer and is the Almighty Lord who has all power and knowledge. He knows the future and holds it in His hands. He is a Rock for those who are in fear of the future. Trusting in Him can make us truly free!
The last thing we can give up fearing is old age and the weakness and frailty associated with it. “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you, I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:3-4) Sounds like God can handle us in old age, too, doesn’t it? What’s there to be afraid of anyway? We are people of faith and please God by trusting Him in everything! “Fear Not!”