Dear friends,
In Isaiah 43, we find a rich passage of divine assurance that gives us great clarity about our identity in Christ. The chapter opens with a statement from God that demonstrates the relationship He wishes to have with His people: "But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine." (Isaiah 43:1). Here, we see that God views His relationship with His people as an intimate relationship. He is their creator who formed them. It is an intimate act of creation, not from a distant creator who started the world eons ago, but from a Creator who longs for a close and personal relationship with us as individuals. God forms us, knows us by name, and claims us as His own.
This passage continues with a promise for His people: "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee" (Isaiah 43:2). Here, God draws from past examples of divine protection. Reminding us of individuals such as Moses, Joshua, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. God assures us that He is with us in every trial and difficulty. No matter what challenges we face, we are never alone. God’s presence remains as our refuge and strength just as it did for those before us.
Reflecting on "the LORD that created thee" and "he that formed thee," we are reminded that our existence is purposeful. We are crafted by a loving Creator who knows every detail of our being and has a plan for each of us. This understanding should change our perspective on life’s hardships. Rather than seeing them as random or meaningless, we can trust that they are part of a divine plan, overseen by the One who creates us with purpose and calls us to be a part of His plan.
Furthermore, the passage declares, "For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour." (Isaiah 43:3). In this, we find not only a Creator and Protector but a personal Savior. God’s role in our lives is all-encompassing; He redeems us from our sins, guides us through life’s challenges, and ultimately offers us a personal invitation to salvation.
When we understand that we are "called by His name," we recognize our true value and identity in God. When we acknowledge that He says "I am with thee," we can be assured that we do not face life’s difficulties alone. When we remember that God is "the LORD that created thee" and "he that formed thee," we can be grounded in the reality that our lives have purpose and meaning, designed by a loving Creator. And when we acknowledge God as "my Savior", we can be filled with hope, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in His hands.
May these truths fill our hearts and minds. Let’s embrace our identity as ones called by His name, find peace in His presence, and walk confidently in the assurance of His love and salvation. The Creator of the universe is with us, forming and directing our steps each and every day.
