Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 43:2-4.
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.
God promises to be with us in all our situations, joy and sorrow. He has expressed His love for us in a myriad of ways and His love is always constant. In the verse that precedes this passage He proclaims “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1).
It’s never a question of Gods love for us. He has made us in His own image and given us all creation to care for in His name. However, we have turned to ourselves rather than Him so many times. God is always there for us but do we make ourselves available to receive and return His love?
These verses tell us that God has given up things for us, “others were given in exchange for you”. What are we willing to give up for our God? He calls us to be part of what He is doing in the world by sharing His love with everyone.
Gracious God, You sent Your only son that we might be free of sin and death. May we be ready to bring the Good News everywhere. Amen.
