Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

.... I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you (Isaiah 43:1, 2). Over and over the Scripture admonishes us not to fear. This morning's Scripture gives us several reasons (the force of “for” in the passage.) The first reason is that He has redeemed us.  The word is first used Genesis 48:16 by Jacob in when He says “The angel which redeemed me from all evil …” (KJV). The NIV brings out the meaning by translating it “delivered me from all harm.”   Thus we do not need to fear, for our redeemer is the one who delivers us from all harm.  

The second reason not to fear,  is that He has called each one of us by name.  The essence of faith is intensely personal. Yes Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, but “the Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me” (personally Galatians 2:20).  Little old me is known and loved by the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! Even the hairs of my head are numbered (Luke 12:7). The meaning of Galatians reference also brings out another aspect of redemption, for it also means “to buy out,” especially of purchasing the freedom of a slave. And we were bought out purchased from the slave market of sin (John 8:34).  This also relates to the next reason not to fear, for “You are Mine,”  we are not our own, we are bought with a price the blood of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). The fact that  He has paid such an incredible price for us, means that we are of infinite value to Him, and He will want to protect His investment.

Finally we should not fear, for when we pass thought the waters or the fire He will be with us.  He was with Israel when the passed through the waters of the Red sea.  And they did not overwhelm them, though they did overwhelm the pursuing Egyptian army (Isaiah 51:10). When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace,  “the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them” (Daniel 3:27). What a mighty God we serve! There is no need to fear, for He is ready willing and able to do  all the above and more! He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

Father, forgives us for those times that we have given in to fear. Next time we are tempted to fear remind us Lord, that You  have called us byYour name (Christian, little Christ); that we are Yours; and that when we pass though troubled waters or fiery trials,  You are with us. Thank You that You have promised that will never leave us nor forsake us.  Thank You Lord that You, the One who is with us, has overcome the world (John 16:33).  Thank You Lord Jesus, that You not only suffered for us, You also suffer with us, giving us the assurance it will be alright. For these and many other benefits of Your passion we give You praise and glory again this morning Lord in Your precious Name Amen