Read Isaiah 43.
"Thus says the LORD." Isaiah delivered God's messages primarily
to the southern kingdom of Judah. Increasingly, the warnings look beyond
the Assyrian invasion to the Babylonian captivity. The discipline of the
nation was due to their sinful disobedience (vv.22-24). But along with
the predicted judgment came the promise of Israel being regathered, forgiven,
and blessed.
The LORD wanted to remind them who He is, what He has done, and what He can do
for them. Twice in this chapter God said, "Fear not."
Here are the reasons why they did not need to fear the future.
1. I created you. (v.1a)
Man is not the result of some cosmic accident. Creation is not just a
Genesis issue. God claims to have personally brought the universe and
life into existence. He is the Owner of all things (Psalm 24:1)
2. I formed you. (v.1b)
As a potter works the clay for His own design and purposes, so the LORD takes
full responsibility for the shaping of this nation and its people. The
Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesian 2:10, "We are his workmanship."
3. I redeemed you. (v.1c)
Literally, He bought them out of slavery. This is an obvious reference to
the Exodus. At great cost, through the shedding of blood during the
Passover, the people were freed. "Christ, our Passover lamb, has
been sacrificed" for us (1 Corinthians 5:7).
4. I called you. (v.1d)
In Genesis 12, God called Abraham and subsequently made an unconditional
covenant with his descendants. He called the nation out of Egypt.
This calling of God was in order for them to fulfill His plan. They
were on an assigned mission.
5. You are mine. (v.1e)
Now, they are twice His-by creation and by redemption.
6. I will be with you. (v.2a)
Though they will face difficult days ahead, God's presence will never leave
them. He is and will be right there with them all the way. "I
will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).
7. I will protect you. (v.2b)
There is no need to feel overwhelmed or give up. He will bring His people
through the toughest of circumstances.
8. I am your Savior. (v.3)
The LORD claims exclusivity. There is no other Savior. The Apostle
Peter proclaimed, "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no
other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts
4:12)
9. I love you. (v.4)
The God of the Bible is not detached from His creation. He is a loving
God who desires a personal relationship with each of us.
10. I will provide for you. (vv.19-21)
He will make a way for His people when there does not seem to be a way.
He will take care of His own when no resources are in sight.
11. I am he who blots out your transgressions. (v.25)
His promise to forgive and "I will not remember your sins" does not
mean God has a memory lapse. But once we have confessed our sins and He
has cleansed us, He will not bring up our past against us.
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