March 8, 2021
Good afternoon,
” Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name. You are mine.” Isaiah 43
This is for the nation or community of Israel. The ‘you” is plural. These words might be for the community while they are in exile or just about to be taken towards Babylon. It is a scary time for the faithful. They do not know what the future will hold for them. The Babylonians may choose to carry out genocide, or keep them as slaves.
I often use this verse when I visit people in the hospital. The person(s) is facing surgery, and there is fear or anxiety. There is tension if they know it is a serious procedure that the doctor is going to perform. When I use this verse, I will use the person’s name when I say ” I called you by name.” Dianne, Ab, Gid, Ruth or whomever is in the hospital waiting for surgery.
God calls us by name, always. God knows all of our names. God is intimate that way. Conversation should be easier when God knows our name. But, we still live in fear in some part of our lives. God knows it. Someone told me that the Bible has 365 times when it says, “Fear not “. God knows, God loves us anyway.
Grace and peace in our journey to the cross.
Fred
Soaring like Vultures
lifted up by unseen Hands
Trust, silent enters my fears
Monica Pieper Landoni 2021