Wed., 6/11/14 Devotion (Isa. 43:1)

Today's encouragement comes from Isaiah 43:1, where we read these words:

"But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who form-ed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.' "

Observe (above) the blessed state of the redeemed church. We are often in-clined to fear--wondering if indeed our sins are still blocking our relationship with God. We are sometimes prone to wonder if God has forgotten us. We are from time-to-time even tempted to believe that we are orphans, and not children of grace.

But this verse affirms all the good things for the church: God made us; He knows us; He encourages us; He has cleansed and forgiven us; and He has joined us to Himself (since Christ is the Head of the church). What more could we want?!

[Puritan quote of the day: "We are under greater obligations to love a more lovely being than a less lovely one . . . " --Jonathan Edwards, in, "Justification by Faith Alone"]