Background:
Against the backdrop of an imminent Assyrian invasion (Isaiah 7:18–25; 10:5–6) and the future Babylonian destruction and exile (Isaiah 39:6–7), God reminded the people of Judah that as His chosen people, they had a special relationship with Him (43:1). He also assured them of His love and protection through a self-revelation of who He is (vv. 1–7). Because God greatly loves them, their Creator and Redeemer (v. 1), protector (v. 2), and Savior (v. 3), they need not fear the invading Assyrians or the Babylonians (vv. 4–5). Isaiah’s common designation for God, Isaiah extolled God’s complete holiness. Though God’s people remained unfaithful and unrepentant, God in His mercy had purposed to forgive them their sins. Although they are forgiven, they’d still be disciplined through the Babylonian exile.
Reflect:
How do you think God sees you? What does John 1:12 tell you about your relationship with Him? What comfort do you find in that knowledge?
My Comments to You:
The story about Tenny mentioned in this devotion is like a devotion I read today from the Inspirations App-self-evaluation of oneself.
In Isaiah 43:1–4, God told His chosen people that, having formed them, He would use His power and love to redeem them. “You are precious and honored in my sight,” God proclaimed. He would act on their behalf because He loved them (v. 4). The value God places on those He loves doesn’t come from anything we do but from the simple and powerful truth that He chose us to be His own.
These words in Isaiah 43 give great security and empower us with the confidence to do our best for God in whatever task we are called to do. We are accepted and approved in Jesus, and may we confidently live out this truth.
My Prayer for Us:
Heavenly Father, We know You love us, accept us, and cherish us. Thank You for adopting us as Your children and loving us without conditions.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/17/09) Accepted and Approved, Leslie Koh, retrieved from www.odb.org 17/11/2021, Accepted and Approved.