“But now the LORD who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel, says: “Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.” Isaiah 43:1-2
‘You are Mine’ Some of the greatest words written in Scripture or maybe ever written or spoken. To know that God calls the soul this this intimately to say that “you are Mine.’ If God makes this statement, what wouldn’t He do for the soul?
“I have redeemed you” It is by God’s supreme act of love, the crucifixion of His Son, Jesus Christ, that God has made this happen. He could have and maybe, should have just passed judgment. But, the redemption of your soul meant too much to Jesus Christ to allow that. He came and suffered and died to pass through deserved judgment and redeem your soul.
“I have called you by name” God doesn’t just redeem all souls in some act of plurality. Group every soul into a bucket and just willy nilly redeem the lot of them. No, God knows every individual soul He is redeeming by name. When Jesus hangs on the cross, He is looking into YOUR eyes. When Jesus asks God to forgive ‘them’ (John 23:34), it is YOUR name on His lips.
Your name, YOUR name individually, is written in the palm of God’s hand (Isaiah 49:16). It is so important to Jesus that when the nail drives through His hand in which YOUR name is written, He is taking the punishment.
If you pass through raging waters in the sea,
you shall not drown.
If you walk amid the burning flames,
you shall not be harmed. If you stand before the pow’r of hell
and death is at your side,
know that I am with you through it all. Be not afraid.
I go before you always.
Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.
Do not fear, never be afraid. For God has declared that YOU are His. YOU are His beloved child. YOU are worth His death.
You are worth this and much more. Never be afraid to step into the fire or stand before Hell’s black gates. Make “YOU are Mine” your mantra and the armoring point of your life.
“I have written your name on my hand.” Isaiah 49:16