Monday, 11 November 2013

Do not be afraid - apart from the Lord there is no Savior.

Nov. 11, 2013 - Isaiah 43:13

    1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
   he who created you, Jacob,
   he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
   I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
   I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
   they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
   you will not be burned;
   the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
   the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
   Cush and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
   and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
   nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
   I will bring your children from the east
   and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
   and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
   and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 everyone who is called by my name,
   whom I created for my glory,
   whom I formed and made.”
   8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,
   who have ears but are deaf.
9 All the nations gather together
   and the peoples assemble.
Which of their gods foretold this
   and proclaimed to us the former things?
Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,
   so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD,
   “and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
   and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
   nor will there be one after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD,
   and apart from me there is no savior.
12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
   I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God.
   13 Yes, and from ancient days I am he.
No one can deliver out of my hand.
   When I act, who can reverse it?”
Isaiah saw the vision that apart from God there is no Savior. The Lord God called and chose Israel to be His servant and witnesses. Though they passed through waters and fire, the Lord would still be with them; they would not be burned and would not be swept away. God's people are precious and honored in His sight, and because the Lord loved them, He would save and provide the ransom. 
My Master Lord, thanks for choosing me to be your servant and witness. You promise to be with me whatever I pass through fires and water. Fires will not burn me, and waters will not sweep over me. You love me - You reveal, You save, and You proclaim that apart from You there is no Savior. Do not be afraid - You are my God. 

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