In Isaiah 40-48, we see some incredible images that mirror very familiar New Testament passages. Addressed to Judah and Judah’s descendants, these passages speak some beautiful encouragement to God’s people. Could you use some encouragement today? God repeatedly tells Judah not to be afraid. He also tells them, “I will rescue you.” Those messages are just as valid today for the believing disciples of Jesus Christ as they were back in the time of Isaiah.
He created you. He
formed you. He redeemed you. He called you. You are His!
He is with you. He wants to be
your Lord and Savior. You are precious
in His sight. You are honored and He
loves you. He wants to walk with you so
you do not fear. He has ransomed
you. He has invested in you. You are His treasure!
Salvation is the Big Idea of these chapters of
Scripture. Rescue is another way of
thinking of it. But how do we access
that salvation? How do we come to be
rescued? Scripture makes one thing very
clear. Apart from Jesus Christ, there is
no Savior. In the Gospel of John, Jesus
says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Salvation is for everyone. But Jesus is the only way to the Father. He is the only way of salvation. He is our only hope of rescue.
Is there something holding you back from grasping the free
gift of salvation that Jesus offers?
What is it? Bring it to God. Bring it to a trusted Christian friend or a
Bible preaching pastor or teacher. Leave
a comment here. Work through that thing
to get to the Truth. Why? Because fearlessness and rescue are possible
for every person, but they are the living reality of the believing disciple of
Christ. Even if you are suffering the
consequences of acts committed in your past, this is possible for you. It won’t necessarily remove the consequences,
but salvation can bring a freedom like you’ve never experienced before.
Isaiah was preaching to a people who were about to suffer
the consequences of turning away from God and toward idols. They were about to be captured by the
Babylonians and taken into captivity.
But God also gave them the promise of being released from that captivity
to return home. One day, those of us who
believe in Christ for salvation will enter our heavenly home, too. In the meantime, we will serve Him here on
earth.
Are you joyfully serving Him? If not, why not? I recently answered a journaling prompt that
asked, “What has surprised you, in a good way?”
Frankly, my answer surprised me.
I wrote, ”I have been surprised in a good way by how painful
circumstances can develop me as a person and as a leader. I am surprised by how putting myself outside
of my comfort zone can honor and glorify God in ways I absolutely cannot do
under my own power.” Are you discouraged
because you’ve been serving God in your own power? Are you willing to take a step outside of
your comfort zone where God is calling you to experience His equipping and
power?
God has a call on every life. God is sovereign over every life. God has a plan that will come to
fruition. If you refuse to do your part,
He will find someone else.
So, what are you afraid of?
How might you turn those fears over to the Sovereign Lord right
now? Where are you allowing the past to
keep you from stepping out in faith and walking in bold victory in Christ? In what way are you trusting the Sovereign
Lord Jesus to rescue you or others? Are
you pursuing Him in prayer and trusting Him to do the rest in His perfect
timing? Do you struggle to wait on the
Lord’s timing? How has the Holy Spirit
manifested the fruit of patience in you?
How might you encourage someone else who is fearful or needs
rescue? How might your story about your
encounter with Jesus help?
Have a blessed Valentine's Day!
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