Isaiah 43:1-3, 5-7
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to to the north, “Give them up.” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:1-3, 5-7 (NRSV)
A favorite benediction that has been put to music says this: “As you go on your way may Christ/God go with you. May He go before you to show you the way, May He go behind you to encourage you, beside you to befriend you, above you to watch over, within you to give you peace.” Just like in our lesson for today, God is determined to protect and save his people from all dangers. The Israelites are God’s chosen ones and He is going to save them forever.
In the above text, God calls the Israelites back from wherever they find themselves. Many have gone away following other gods or have been taken by invading peoples. God is gathering his people once again back to the fold. Back to the faith. Back to the one true God.
Many years ago the Catholic Church had some wonderful commercials on TV called “Catholics Come Home”. It called all those who had fallen away from the church to return again and be welcomed back with open arms. I don’t know how successful it was, but I can imagine it touched some hearts and many went back to the Church.
What called you to church this last Advent and Christmas season? What calls you now in this New Year? Can you feel God’s protection and care for you? “I have called you by name, you are mine. . . Do not fear, for I am with you”.
Feel protected, loved, called.
He is calling, will you answer?
Questions for Reflection:
- Do you feel like you are on a journey back to the one true faith?
- When do you find yourself turning to God?
Prayer:
Dear Creator God,
Thank you for calling me and making me your own. I can feel your love and care for me. Help me to be your loving servant and glorify your name in all that I do. Amen
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