Carson Sutton
March 18 Reading-Isaiah 43:1-7
Today’s reading begins with this call from Isaiah:
But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.’
We trust those we know. And by know I mean know well. For most of us, we trust our parents above other people in our lives. We trust their wisdom, judgement, leadership, and love. When the people who formed us tell us something, we listen.
God in this first verse of Isaiah 43 is identifying himself to the nation of Israel as Creator. He wants them to understand that first, so that they will listen and trust him when he says, “Do not be afraid.”
He goes on to assure Israel not only to not be afraid, but also that he will be with them through all trials and difficulties to come. He is WITH us! AND not only that, but God says that they will not drown, nor be burned up. God is faithfully their Savior.
Verse 7 reads:
Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.
Something that was revealed to me when I was reading the ending of today’s reading was how little we have to take credit for. God created us, he saved us, he protects us, he loves us, he is with us, and he unites us all for his glory.
All we are able to do in this life is recognize God as our Creator and Savior, know and listen to his voice (through the Word and the Spirit,) and trust him when he says, “Do not be afraid.”
What might change in your life if you are no longer afraid and trust God our Creator?
HHYG 