Isaiah 43:1-7 – God is faithful and patient

In Isaiah 42:18-25, Israel as God’s servant was rebuked for their unbelief and ingratitude. They were described as blind and deaf. Despite the wonders that they had experienced at His hand, they were insensitive to Him. Though they had been chastened much they were indifferent to what God was doing for them. So God admonished them to evaluate their history and see how far they had departed from where they should be. If they would only pause and assess their situation, they would soon realize what account was the calamities needful.

Now as we turn the pages to Isaiah 43:1-7, God’s covenant faithfulness towards them was once again described. He saw them as His redeemed and had purposed in His heart to deliver them with great cost, no matter how far they had strayed from Him. These verses describe as if their rescue had been a done deal. God assured them of their redemption from their calamities.   

 

This promise of rescue hinged on the fact that they were His covenant people. In Jacob, He had espoused them to Himself. Hence, he would be with them to rescue them in their fiery trial. They would experience His presence whether in flood or in fire, and He would protect them. They would not be drowned by the waters and neither would they be scorched by the fire. Wanting them to know how precious they were to Him, God assured them that He would use nations as their ransom to redeem them. If the ransom price of Egypt was not adequate to set them free, God was prepared to give much more to ensure their redemption. Herein we see the magnitude of His love toward His people.

 

In verses 5-7, God expressed resolutely how determined He was to bring them back, no matter how far they were scattered. Whether they be in the East, West, North, or South, God would ensure their return to the land. Hence there was nothing for them to fear. God would not give up even one who belonged to Him whom He deemed as created for His glory. For they were His and it was He who had made them. These verses, though speak particularly about the rescue of Jews, also imply the rescue operation of God for fallen humanity. In Christ Jesus, God has set in motion His salvation for mankind. His desire is to redeem everyone. Even though all have fallen, each however is nonetheless made for His glory.   

 

In these verses, we cannot get away from two clear indications. Firstly, we get to see the faithfulness of God. His love for His people is constant and enduring. Though as HIs people we may not always live up to His expectation of us, yet His love for us remains constant. All hardship we experience in life is designed so that we will respond to Him spontaneously. Secondly, we see in these verses God’s enduring patience. He is so long-suffering. He remains patient and kind in the face of our often ingratitude. Peter put it so aptly in his second letter to the early church in chapter 3 and verse 9 says, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” How ought we to respond then, to the faithfulness and patience of God towards us? God’s faithfulness and patience toward us should stir up in us a deep desire and passion to live and serve Him fearlessly. He will be with those who are His, come fire, or high water. No matter what, we must stay true to Him. He is our only refuge!