Isaiah 43:1 NIV
But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
1 Thessalonians 1:4 NRSVUE
For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you…
“Imagine a couple passing by an alley and noticing a poor, homeless child lying on the ground half-dead. Their heart goes out to the child and they rush over and carefully scoop her up and find her care, later adopting her into their family. They were not forced to shelter her, but they went out of their way to rescue her and she becomes precious, one-of-a-kind, an object selected through persistent attention and interest. No doubt, in the midst of their trials and tribulations, the Thessalonians felt ignored by God. Perhaps they felt rejected. Paul responds tenderly: he chose you then, he loves you now.” (Nijay Gupta, 1-2 Thessalonians: A New Covenant Commentary)
Wonderfully, we are chosen by God to be loved. As Isaiah 43:1 declares, we have nothing to fear when it comes to what we’re facing, how we’re feeling, or the mistakes that we’ve made. God, who created us and formed us and saved us, is the one who redeems us by his perfect love that does not change.
Prayer: Lord, I let go of who I think I am to receive who you say I am. Thank you that you call me by name and I do not have to fear for I am yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let’s praise the One who has redeemed us with “By The Grace Of God” by Bethel Music (click here).
– CHH
