Tues., 6/11/19 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. as we rest in our Lord Jesus Christ. We are often inclined to fear—wondering if indeed our sins are still blocking our relationship with God. We are sometimes prone to won-der if God has forgotten us. We are from time-to-time even tempted to think 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 (in Jesus Christ, 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, "Justifica-tion by Faith Alone"]