The
Devotional
Comment:
In the Old Testament some folks look only at God’s wrath and
at times it is necessary to see the wrath of God in certain times of Jewish
history. Yet God would much more likely reveal His Mercy to Israel and the
nations if they would only turn to Him. Isaiah expresses this throughout his
book as do all the prophets, I have chosen Isaiah for something he writes in
his 43rd chapter. “But now,
thus says the LORD, who created you O Jacob and who form you O Israel: ‘Fear
not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name: You are MINE’”.
Isaiah 43:1
Devotional:
Why does Isaiah by the will of God say “But now”? In order to understand we must back up to chapter 42 and
begin at the least in verses 23 – 25 which is only part of the story but
sufficient for now. Israel and Judah as a nation have ceased to exist
temporarily, but there is a remnant of men and women who are giving ear to the
messages of the prophet Isaiah. Yes Judah and Israel have sinned and by other
nations they were robbed and plundered to the point of extinction. Simply put
the nation was disobedient to God.
What father is there in human kind that would not be angered
and furious over the disobedience of his household? After correction is
completed in human life there is also blessing to follow. I find it fascinating
how our personal family life parallels God’s commandment over His children.
Notice the following in Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters
(momentary light affliction), I will be
with you. And through the rivers; (extended moderate affliction) these shall not overflow you. When you
walk through the fire (heavy affliction), you
shall not be burned.
The last part of this verse expresses the love of God for
His REDEEMED; Nor shall the flame scorch
you. (I the LORD, I am your helmet of salvation/protection). All of the
redeemed of the LORD including you and me can have this confidence as the
following hymn reveals; God leads us along – (the refrain) “Some through the
waters, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the
BLOOD; Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, in the night season and
all the day long. (confidence, hope and protection)
The redeemed of the LORD; O what joy fills my soul to KNOW
that I am redeemed. Words cannot express the joy of this Old Testament Statute,
it was true from the foundation of the world and it will be true throughout eternity
for all who are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb. “The earth, O LORD, is full
of Your mercy; teach me your statutes.” Psalm 110:64. In every case the
statutes of God are linked to His Mercy and the resulting Joy for those who
seek and receive it.
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