Promises of Peace #24

 

After ending chapter 42 on a note of Judgement, God continues on in Isaiah 43 with a contrast:
But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 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.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior

To be sure, this was a particular promise to Israel, as they were looking for hope as they were going through a very difficult time of suffering for their sins, but there is a similar hope and peace we can have as the people of God in Christ.

God is our Creator, both physically and in making us a new creation in Christ, who is our redeemer. He has "bought us back" and made us His own. Therefore, we will not go on without Him. He will be with us. The picture here of the waters and rivers was of course very significant in their history, as more than once God had brought them through the waters on dry ground.  Now, their cities would be burned and destroyed; they would lose and leave everything behind, but God promised to spare them. Why? He was Sovereign Lord and their God; He was Holy God, and He was their Savior. He has not changed. We can be at peace in our hearts knowing: He is Lord; He watches over His people; He delivers.