Isaiah 43-44

“I have called you by name; you are Mine!” (43:1).  God’s covenant with Israel meant that Israel was “His” – under His protection, His responsibility, His delight and concern.  We receive these benefits when we enter God’s Kingdom through Jesus, becoming part of the New Covenant (Heb 9:15).  We are no longer alone but beloved children of the Father, who says “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you” (43:2).

We still experience dangerous waters and fire (43:2).  But God calls us by name, and our hearts are inscribed, “Belonging to the Lord” (44:5).