THE GOD WHO IS THERE

Isa. 43:1-3

 

“This is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

 

I haven’t sung it for a while, but there is a really nice song based on this text.  It starts like this: 

When you pass through the waters I will be with you,

And the waves they will not overcome you;

Do not fear!

 

The song and the passage point out three things:

 

First, they remind us that we are God’s.  He made us, He redeemed us and He calls us by name.  We don’t have to wonder about whether our lives have meaning or purpose.  They do!  We are God’s workmanship; created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Eph. 2:10) . . .  Our lives are part of His plan.

 

Second, they remind us who God is.  He is the LORD, the one who makes and keeps covenants.  In other words, He is a maker and keeper of promises.  He is not a god, or his god, or their god; He is OUR God!  He is holy; there is no one else like Him.  He is our Savior.

 

Third, they remind us that wherever we go, whatever our situation, no matter how terrifying the situation might seem to be; GOD IS WITH US!  God is God even in the fire. 

 

Bottom line:  Do not fear!

 

--- Pastor Keith Andrews