Sometimes we wonder where God is in times of trial or hardship. God's faithfulness endures even in the face of our disobedience. In Isaiah, chapter 42 and 43, we see God's character revealed. In these chapters, God reminds Israel of the consequences of their rebellion against Him, but also proof His unwavering love and commitment to their restoration. No matter how far we stray, God's love is always reaching out to bring us back into His fold.
Israel's Disobedience And God's Judgment
In Isaiah 42: 21-25, God explains to Israel that their disobedience has caused them to be punished. "Who gave Jacob for plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Was it not the Lord, He against whom we have sinned?" God's wrath has been poured out and yet Israel did not turn back to God. They seemed ignorant that this was happening because of their disobedience.
The Promise Of Redemption
"But now" says the Lord in Isaiah 43:1. Despite the cruelties of war, the feeling of abandonment in the exile in Babylon, despite the years where little was heard from God, God again reminds His people of His faithfulness to them. In our modern world, the same can be said of God; "But now..." He whispers to us. Fear not, "for I have loved you with an everlasting love."(Jeremiah 31:3). Have you felt abandoned by Him, have you felt that He has not heard your cries, have you been through terrible trials? God may punish us for our sins but He will never abandon us. He will turn to us, even though we may not turn to Him. He will show love for us, even though we may not return it as we should.
God's Reassurance: Fear Not
God formed us and created us just as He did Israel. He tells us to "Fear not" as He reminds us so often throughout His word. How can we fear when He is with us? He goes on to say that we belong to Him, that He has redeemed us and that He has called us by our name. He has called us personally, individually, as one who truly loves us only can.
Our Identity In Christ
Think about what that means for a moment; we belong to Him. We are the beloved of the Creator of all that is. We are His. This verse was written to Israel, but it belongs to us as well through the sacrifice of Jesus, God's Son on the cross. If you believe in Him, if you have given your life to Him, then you are redeemed.
he Significance Of Names In Biblical Tradition
In ancient Israel, names were more than mere labels—they signified the character of a person and were often prophetic. In Matthew 1:21, we learn that Jesus was given His name because He would be the Savior of His people. The new name we are promised symbolizes the new life in Christ that we have been given. This new life is a transformed life. Our character is different, therefore our new name must match it.
A New Name For The Overcomers
In Revelation 2:17, God promises to give those who overcome a new name, written on a white stone, and only known to the one who receives it. During Roman times the victors of athletic competitions would receive a white stone with their name engraved on it to symbolize their triumph. This likely, is symbolic of the change that the Holy Spirit has worked in our lives during the process of sanctification. In Revelation 3:12, Jesus also promised to inscribe on these overcomers the name of His Father, the name of the New Jerusalem, and Jesus' own name.
Biblical Examples Of Name Changes
Just as Jacob was given the new name Israel in Genesis 32:28, and Abram is changed to Abraham in Genesis 17, so too are we transformed. Jacob, the "supplanter or deceiver" becomes Israel, which means "let God prevail". Abram the "exalted" father becomes Abraham the "father of a multitude of nations". These name changes were significant. They implied a change in the future of these men. They were not the same and their names were symbolic of that. Neither are we the same after an encounter with our Savior.
God’s Presence In Trials
Isaiah 43:2 assures us that God will be with us through floods and flames. Spiritually, this means that no matter what trials and persecutions come your way, He will stand with us. In the story of the three Hebrew boys thrown into the fiery furnace in the book of Daniel this was not just symbolic but literal. When Stephen was being stoned to death in the book of Acts he looked into Heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God—proof that Jesus was with him, even in his final moments. God will never leave you alone.
The Preciousness Of God’s People
In Isaiah 43:3, God reminds Israel that He is their God and their Redeemer. In verse 4, God declares we are precious in His eyes. Precious can mean costly or rare. God explains that Israel is so precious that he will give other nations to redeem her. He will give men and people to save her. This expression has a deeper meaning, that in Him, we have found mercy. Just as Psalm 103:8 reminds us, "The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy." In verse 5, He again reassures us, "Fear not". We need no longer fear death, for He has found a way through for us.
The Promise Of Re-Gathering
In Isaiah 43:6-7, God says that "every one that is called by my name" will be gathered together. When we are called someone's name it is synonymous with being thought of as their child, since a child bears the name of his father (see Isaiah 44:5; Isaiah 48:1). All who are the children of God are promised to be re-gathered to their own land.
Our Heavenly Promised Land
Just as Israel will be regathered into their Promised Land, you and I also have a Promised Land.
"But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:16
Revelation chapter 21 describes the New Jerusalem, our promised land with God, coming down from Heaven.
God’s Purpose For His People
In verse 7, God tells us that all those "called by my name" are created, formed, and made for God's glory. This process—being created, formed, and then made or perfected—has one purpose: not our glory, but His.
The Promise Of Renewal And A New Name
Finally, Revelation 21:5 reveals that God will make all things new. The preciousness of God's people means we will receive a new name, one that will surely reflect our adoption into God's family and testify to the wondrous work He has done in us to make us His own.
Listen to "The Adoption Song" by Brandon Lake here.
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