[:en]SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 43
“Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west” (Isaiah 43:4-5)
“I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior” (Isaiah 43:11)
WHAT THE LORD SAYS:
- I create you and form you. I have redeemed you and called you by name. So your are mine (v. 1)
- I will be with you wherever you go – through the waters, the rivers, the fire (v. 2)
- I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (v. 3)
- You are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you (v. 4)
- I will gather my people from all ends of the earth, so do not be afraid for I am with you (vs. 5-7)
- I am the Lord and apart from me, there is no Savior (vs. 11)
- From ancient days, I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it? (v. 13)
GOD’S MERCY AND ISRAEL’S UNFAITHFULNESS (vs. 14-28)
WHAT GOD HAD DONE FOR ISRAEL:
- He had brought down all the Babylonians as fugitives. (v. 14)
- He led them through the seas and waters and drown all the Egyptian chariots and horses (vs. 16-17)
- He provided water in the desert for the wild animals and drink for His people (v. 20)
THE UNFAITHFULNESS OF ISRAEL:
- They did not call upon the God of Israel (v. 22)
- They did not bring sheep for burnt offerings or honored him with their sacrifices (v. 23)
- They did not buy him fragrant incense. Instead, they burdened Him with their sins and wearied Him with their offenses. (v. 24)
God created us. He loves us and knows our name. We are not to be afraid because He promises to be with us through obstacles and problems if we trust in Him. We must not burden him with our sins and worship Him with empty religious rituals. What He wants us is to obey Him.[:]