Saturday, January 11, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Isaiah 43:1–7

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.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my sight,
and honored, and I love you,
I give people in return for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
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 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.” (NRSV)

Reflection

In the eighth century BCE, Israel was besieged, suffering, and scared. Isaiah, sometimes characterized as “the greatest of the writing prophets,” warns and exhorts but also prophesies hopefully about the Lord’s omnipotence, God’s likely punishment for those who stray, but as well about the Lord’s compassion and assured redemptive power.

In our own time, many of us feel fear, turn off the television, and deliberately only skim headlines, trying to tamp down reaction to chaos. Isaiah’s words, translated into twenty-first-century language, are strong and reassuring. He says, “Look here, you trembling folks, here’s what God has to say about all that: God created and made you — God even knows you by your name! Stuff is going to happen, but you aren’t going to drown. You’ll even be able to walk through fire without getting burned.”

By rereading the passage and updating the parlance to today’s, I find these ancient words a strong source of comfort. Isaiah reminds me that there is only one Lord, suggesting I should not be distracted by the lords of doom and other flame-throwers. The prophet reminds me that, maybe, like Israel, I am “precious and honored.” Really? He doesn’t write it, but perhaps the implication is to stop fretting and to stiffen my spine. After all, God also says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”

Prayer
Loving God, help me to be alert to signs of your love, care, and support, whether small or large, but always reassuring. Help me also to witness that reassurance to others. Amen.

Written by Rebecca Dixon, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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