READ: Is. 43:1-7: … Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you … Since you were precious in My sight … Fear not, for I am with you; Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.
After the LORD’s severe lesson about the attitude of His people, we now read a most comforting message. He speaks to Israel as their Creator, who formed them out of nothing. This began with the calling of Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldeans (Gen. 12:2) and was further developed at Sinai (Ex. 20).
As a people, they bear the blessing of the LORD that He gave to the patriarchs. The words He speaks are comforting: “Fear not, you are precious in My sight; I have called you by your name,” meaning: I have called you with a task in My service. That is why I redeemed you from Egypt, and again and again; you are My property.
“Fear not” does not mean that they face no danger or difficulty, but that God is near to them, supports them, and will continually save them. This salvation extends to the deliverance from spiritual imprisonment with the coming of His Son.
Isaiah describes various forms of suffering and danger: they must go through water and fire. These are trials from God. But God ensures that they survive them.
He reminds His people of who He is for them: the faithful God of the covenant, their God, the Holy One of Israel, which means the Exalted One. He is their Savior, who delivers them through everything (compare Rom. 8:35-39). Other nations God bypassed, but He had mercy on Israel (v.3).
Now that Israel is scattered among the nations, God promises that He will gather them again. After all, the bond God has with them is like that of a Father with His sons and daughters (Deut. 14:7; 2:19).
How wonderfully this work is fulfilled through Christ in the assembly of His church.
Are there still such trials today?
Sing: Ps. 66:4