Daily Bible Reading - December 7, 2018

Today's Reading:

Ephesians 4:17-32

Ezekiel 12-13

Isaiah 43

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Thoughts and Commentary on Today's Reading   

Isaiah 43:1-2 contains some of the most beautiful and personal words in Scripture. This passage shows Yahweh's unchangeable love for His people.

Isaiah 43:1-2 "But now thus saith Yahweh that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

Great importance is given to names in Scripture. In Isaiah, we see the promise of Yahweh to Israel. But this promise applies to everyone who is saved. We know this because when we are Christ's, then are we "Abraham's seed" and "heirs according to the promise."

I. What does God’s calling a man by his name imply?
1. Intimate knowledge.

We see this in Isaiah 43:1-2.

2. Loving friendship.

Moses, ‘I know thee by name, and thou hast found grace in My Sight.’

3. Our work assignment.

Bezaleel- Exodus 31:2; Cyrus- Isaiah 45:3; Servant of Yahweh- Isaiah 49:1.

II. What does God’s calling a man by His name imply?

1. Yahweh’s possession of him. That possession by God involves Heaven’s protection and man’s safety. He does not hold His property slackly. ‘None shall pluck them out of My Father’s hand.’

2. Kindred. The man bears the family name. He is adopted into the household. The son-ship of the receiver of the new name is dimly shadowed.
3. Likeness.

The Biblical meaning of ‘name’ is ‘character manifested.’

‘I will write on him the Name of My God.’ That means a fuller disclosing of God’s character, and a clear impress of that character on perfected men ‘His name shall be in their foreheads.’

In Isaiah 43:1, God speaks to you - His child. He calls you to today to remember two things that He has already done for you: He has redeemed you and has called you. 

Redemption involves deliverance and freedom from captivity. Just as Yahweh physically delivered Israel from Egypt, He spiritually delivers Israel (Yahweh's people) from Egypt (bondage in sin). 

Not only did Yahweh redeem you to be His child, but He called you! You don't need to wonder if He has a calling for you as His child. Every redeemed child of Yahweh has a calling in Him. And this calling wasn’t a vague one. He calls you by name! You are His! You have a Home and a Father in Yahweh. 

In Isaiah 43:2, God gives you a promise for the future. The promise is not one of smooth sailing waters and deliverance out of trials, but rather of God’s faithful Presence in the midst of madness. You are never promised an easy life, but are promised His Presence. In his commentary on Isaiah, Ray Ortlund said, “Whatever life throws at you, including the tough love of God Himself, He will go with you into it."Going through waters, rivers, fire, or flame? You are not alone. Be comforted.