You Belong to God!
But now this is what the Lord says, the Lord who created you, O Jacob, the Lord who formed you, O Israel. Do not be afraid, because I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)
When Israel rebelled against God and worshipped idols, God sent his wrath against them and sent them into exile at the hands of the Assyrians. When Judah followed the Northern tribes of Israel in worshipping idols, God sent the Babylonians to conquor them and take them into exile as well. But God showed Isaiah what was beyond that.
God would not leave his people in exile. After 70 years of exile, he would bring them back to Israel. He would redeem them from their exile. He would once again make them his people.
But God was not just talking to physical Israel. No, God was talking to spiritual Israel as well. He was talking to all people who belong to him. He has redeemed us all from our eternal exile because of our sin. He defeated sin and took away it’s power when he offered Jesus in our place. He has called us by name and made us his through baptism. No longer do we have to endure the wrath of God. We are his children. He has shaped up and made us to be his faithful people. Therefore, we have nothing to be afraid of. Amen.
The song for today is “You Are Mine” by Walkers to Heaven