In one of the churches David served as pastor, all those who were baptized were given a banner that read, “I have called you by name, [name]; you are mine.” Wasn’t that an endearing memento to give families as a blessing and a reminder? Isaiah is reminding God’s people because they have likely forgotten. God said, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.”
We will likely experience many things in our lives that will cause us to be afraid. But we can cling to this promise. What deep waters are you treading right now? Perhaps you feel like you’re stuck in a fire that is consuming you. Let these words calm you and remind you who has your back. “For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
While this passage was exactly what the Israelites needed to hear as they prepared for their return to their land, we can see into our own future and know that God is calling us all to himself, so we’ll be ready for Jesus’ return. “Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.”
As followers of Christ, we have the awesome responsibility to share the gospel. God created all people, but not all of them are aware of their great heritage. I imagine that God placed a homing device in each of us, and yet some people don’t understand what that pull is that they are feeling or know in what direction they are being pulled. Some people are just in denial and are more focused on going their own way.
The Israelites saw firsthand how living according to their own selfish desires opened them up to sinfulness which unlocked God’s fury. It wasn’t like they didn’t have plenty of chances to change their behaviors and repent. They just chose not to change. The ending many of them saw was not pretty. But God’s fury was eventually calmed, and he gave the people another chance.
What Jesus did for us on the cross is another example of God’s rescue for those that belong to him. The lyrics of the song “In Christ Alone” are powerful images of this. “Til on the cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied. For every sin on Him was laid; here in the death of Christ I stand.” Let that truth wash over you. Our sins are gone because of Jesus. We won’t be carried off to exile in Babylon to endure hardship and oppression.
“From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” We are safe in God’s hands. The song “In Christ Alone” closes with words very similar, “No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.” Jesus will return. People have been waiting for that day for centuries. Until that day, we know who has our back. We belong to God, and I am forever grateful.
Take some time today to focus on how you respond to God and what he has done for you.
Let’s pray … Lord, I am overcome with awe at the grace and mercy you extend to your people. What an honor it is to be called a “daughter of the king.” I am your servant, and I pray that you will equip me to serve in a way that is pleasing to you. Thank you for how you protect me and provide for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
