“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God remains sovereign over his chosen people no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in. Even when troubles encroach into our lives like an unwelcome intruder, God never vacates his throne over us. This is the assurance God gives the children of Israel through his prophet Isaiah. Though God judges nations, his disposition towards his chosen people differs. Especially, when it comes to the administration of his divine discipline in response to unfaithfulness to his commandments. He declares through Isaiah, “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; (9) you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, ‘You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off.'” (Isa 41:8-9). Like ancient Israel, the church is God’s covenant people that has (also) its roots from Abraham (Gen 12:3). We are the recipients of a greater covenant of Jesus Christ who was promised through the “offspring” of Abraham’s lineage (cf., Mt 1:1-17). In his last evening of freedom, Jesus established a new covenant sealed by his blood that was soon to be shed on the cross for our sins and eternal salvation (Lk 22:20).
In light of these truths, why is this assurance given Israel still relevant to us today? Because like them, when we sin against God, we can feel distant (or even exiled) from experiencing his presence. This can leave us with feelings of despair, even questioning our very own salvation. But take heart my friends, the affirmation Isaiah gives God’s people is applicable and remains encouragement to us in these ways:
God disciplines those whom he loves. Sin draws us away from the fellowship of God. His primary objective in the process of correction is not to destroy, but rather put us back on the path to restoration with him. We should never fear that we are so far gone in sin that God has rejected us. Even though we walk away from him in seasons of life, he never departs from us, thus, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” (cf., Heb 12:3-11).
God remains our Helper. His covenant with his people is sealed by the blood of Jesus. Remember, He established it independently of our works or merit; therefore, he keeps it unconditionally regardless of the level of our spiritual maturity. Though we stumble in many ways in life of obedience, we will continue to receive the aid of the Spirit to complete the will of God for our lives (Phi 1:6).
God remains our Strength. Isaiah continues, “I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” We are to depend wholly on the wisdom and strength supplied by the Spirit in our walk with God. When we do, we shall experience and discover this truth: It is not “we” who hold fast to God, but “HE” who holds fast to us. When we submit to his will, he keeps us for David testified, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord when he delights in his way; (24) though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand” (Ps 37:23-24).
God’s chosen people have nothing to fear when walk in agreement with his Word. In taking the path of his will, there we shall experience a God who is for us….. a God who never forsakes us. Only within fellowship shall we experience the pleasures forevermore of God only found in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we should be encouraged today. If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ, there is no path you can go too far from God’s help. Turn back to him and re-discover a God who has never left nor forsaken you. Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com