癤?
You Are Mine
(Isaiah 43:1-3)

When Israelites were involved in practicing injustice and refused to turn away from sin, God was angry with them and had them taken into the Babylonian captivity. In the pain of captivity, they were afraid and trembling, thinking of their irreparable future. At this, God of limitless love had mercy on them, said to them that he would save them from the Babylonian captivity, and declared, ?쏽ou are mine?? What is God really like to us, who loved Israel unconditionally and invariably?

1. God who created us
God is the One who created the whole universe. To the people of Israel taken into Babylonian captivity and suffering from it, God is saying, "But now, this is what the Lord says?봦e who created you, Jacob (Isaiah 43:1a)". This means that God who created Israel will create a new future for them. Be in any place of pain today, we should be reminded of the fact that we were created in the image of God, and create a new history on a daily basis by becoming holy creators in the Lord.

2. God who elected us
God, the creator of Israel says, ?쏡o not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine (Isaiah 43:1b)". This means that God himself chose them and made them his possessions. God who created us loved us to the extent that He gave us Jesus Christ the Son as ransom for sins and adopted us as His children. Therefore, be in any place of pain, we should not be afraid. Only with faith, we should fulfill the precious will of God who chose us.

3. God who protects and exalts us
God who created and elected us says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze (Isaiah 43:2)". Also He says, "Since you are precious and honored in my sight". God is our protector who protects us when we pass through the rivers and the fire, and He regards us so precious in His sight. Therefore we should live only for the glory of God.