Christians, be assured that great trials which produce great pain captivates the attention of our great God, and it is Jesus Christ, who is God over all (Romans 9:5). There simply is NO higher authority or greater resource available to us! A brief look at Israel highlights the sovereign grace of God which not only preserved Israel, but equally preserves every believer today.
God had sent Babylon to administer correction for Israel’s persistent idolatrous unfaithfulness to Yahweh (Isa 42:22-24). It was a desperate time in Israel’s history. Yet, while captive to Babylon, Yahweh offered hope and comfort. But now thus says YAHWEH, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).
These few words communicate essential truths relevant for every child of God in pain. These are sanity savers, possibly even life savers, which God intends us to cling onto with all our might.
First, YAHWEH is the ultimate authority as your creator. God did not make a mistake, He intentionally made you unique and He has not forgotten you (Job 10:11-12; Psa 139:13-16). No matter how severe the situation, God is greater than your fears, therefore, trust in God and NOT the words that generate fear and suspicion. Just as Yahweh was Israel’s Redeemer, guaranteeing their present and future security, so Jesus Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (Galatians 3:13) guaranteeing our eternal security.
Suffering Christian, be grateful that your name is known by God Almighty. The Lord reminded Jeremiah that “before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…” (Jeremiah 1:5). Believers are assured that those whom he (God) predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified (Romans 8:30). If you have been called to salvation, you are secure for eternity because he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). Therefore, it is with much tenderness that Yahweh reminded Israel, as He also reminds us today, that “you are mine.”
God continues in Isaiah 43, to affirm three expressions of His nature which are critical for any of His children needing assurance and hope during difficult times. These three expressions are NOT due to any redeeming qualities on Israel’s part but come purely from the holiness of Yahweh. Isaiah 43:4, you are precious in my eyes, and honoured, and I love you. YAHWEH valued Israel as precious. He honoured Israel above all other nations. God loved and continues to love Israel today. God’s affection for Israel was built upon the relationship that God had established with Israel. God explained in Deuteronomy 7:6, for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.
Similarly, God chose us in him (Christ) before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:4-5). If you are suffering pains of the heart as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, remember that you are a direct result and expression of the will of God. Heart recovery begins with resting in these truths.
To be continued…
