Isaiah 43:1-4 – The Only Saviour of Israel
God is now looking to those who fear, understandably, that God is altogether done with Israel. But no, that is not the case. All that was talked about before in Isaiah 42 is a warning to those who are the hypocrites, and are not really changed in heart. They have real reason to fear their destruction. But for the people of God, the true ones, the ones whom God in mercy has changed their hearts, they must see that while affliction is to come, it is for a different purpose.
This God who was speaking to them has worked for Israel in the past. He is in covenant with her — a covenant which cannot be broken. He is the one who has chosen His people, who has delivered His people, and who will bring them to everlasting rest. He has set his love upon particular people within the Covenant of Grace. If you be in Jesus Christ, you particularly have been known by Him since before the foundation of the world. And despite your sin, you have been loved; loved before time. And because of that love, God has given His only begotten Son that you might live. He has done this for the true Israel of God in the days of Isaiah, and all his people, Jew and Gentile, to this day.
We go on to see what the Saviour promises to do in the future for Israel. The Saviour is saying, ‘Waters, perhaps deep waters lie before you, and fire is in the way. But as I’ve done in the past, so I will do in the future. Through them I will protect you.’ The true people of God are not guaranteed immunity from difficulty or affliction. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. You and I, who are in Christ, are promised affliction. But God is with His people to protect, preserve, and bring them through.
Why does the Saviour do this? The people of God are precious to Jesus, more precious than jewels, more precious than gold or silver, precious to Him like His own body. Why does God save Israel and value his people so? We can’t really say, except that it shows forth His glory.
Questions
- What promises are there in these verses?
- Why does God value His people?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for the love of Christ for His people.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.