A Promise to Regather The Unworthy

Isaiah 43:1–13
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The Lord exhorts Israel not to fear (vv. 1-7) for their condition will show the world that He is truly the only God (vv 8-13). God had created and framed her and had redeemed her from bondage in Egypt and He will now bring her back home from Babylon in a new “Exodus.” He pictures difficult times as flood waters and fire tells Israel they should not give up or have fear because:

1. He will be with them and protect them (vv. 1-3). He created them and made them special to Himself. He redeemed them and summoned them by name.
2. He loves them (v. 4). This is not because of something the nation has done or some special quality Israel possesses, but because of His choosing.
3. He promised to bring them back to their land (vv 5-7). Isaiah was speaking primarily of Israel’s return from Babylon. However, in a broader sense God’s people will be re-gathered when Christ comes back to rule and reign over the earth in His second coming.

Israel is God’s servant in the world and also God’s witness to the world (vv 8-13). It was their task to be a witness, telling the world who God is and what He has done. They demonstrate that He is the only God, that He existed before any god was made, and that He will continue to exist long after the last idol perishes (v. 10). Believers today share the responsibility of being God’s witness. People cannot see God directly, but they can see Him reflected in us.

Application

Israel’s task was to be a witness, telling the world who God is and what he has done. I need to remind myself that the only way some people may know what God is like is through my words and example. They cannot see God directly, but they can see Him reflected in me.