Yes, today’s Text really seems “evangelistic!” I have been newly impressed with this Preacher, Isaiah the Prophet!

“But now thus saith the LORD 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. 2 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. 3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.” Isaiah 43:1-3a

Wow!

Verse 1 reveals the Lord our God … both as Creator and Redeemer! (Using the verb “gaal,” with linkage to the “Kinsman-Redeemer” Motif of the Book of Ruth! God picturing Himself as Israel’s “Boaz!”)

Notice God calling the Jews by both their names, “Jacob” and “Israel.” I am so thankful he knows our name/names! He knows all about us!

In Verse 2 realize that God did NOT say His people would NEVER pass through the waters or walk through the fire! But God did promise safety in all the little nation’s travels, escapades! This would be a good verse to memorize! “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.” No idol could ever promise such things!

This is parallel to Isaiah 54:17. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” Israel as “servant” of the Lord! No wonder people love the Bible!

The God identifies Himself, clearly. (Like signing one’s name to a check, a promise, a commitment!) “For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour …” Verse 3a, don’t miss that noun “Saviour!” One reason why I titled today’s Lesson “the New Testament in the Old!”

Again I say it … “Isaiah, what a preacher!”

Or maybe better phrased … “Isaiah’s GOD, how Awesome!”

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Our Text (in verse 1) also employs the now familiar Bible admonition “Fear not!” Oh, how Jesus loved those words! An old writer once quipped … “Fear God properly, and all other fears will melt in His Presence!”

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