“Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. “Isaiah 43:4

43:1-7 God’s favor and good-will to his people speak abundant comfort to all believers. The new creature, wherever it is, is of God’s forming. All who are redeemed with the blood of his Son, he has set apart for himself. Those that have God for them need not fear who or what can be against them.

What are Egypt and Ethiopia, all their lives and treasures, compared with the blood of Christ? True believers are precious in God’s sight, his delight is in them, above any people. Though they went as through fire and water, yet, while they had God with them, they need fear no evil; they should be born up, and brought out. The faithful are encouraged. They were to be assembled from every quarter. And with this pleasing object in view, the prophet again dissuades from anxious fears.

God proclaims the preciousness and honor He assigns to His people. He conveys His immeasurable love for them, expressing His willingness to lay down nations and lives to protect and rescue those whom He cherishes.

“Do not be afraid, for I have called you by your name, you are Mine,” are meant for you too. You, too, are made in God’s image. “God looked at all that He had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:26-31). He is calling you. Do you believe that, despite the brokenness you may be experiencing in your own life, God longs to be in relationship with you? That you are called, today, to reflect something of Him wherever you are?] Prayer:

Agape love) speaks of a love which is awakened by a sense of value in an object which causes one to prize it. It springs from an apprehension of the preciousness of an object. It is a love of esteem and approbation. The quality of this love is determined by the character of the one who loves, and that of the object loved. (Jn 3:16) 

Reflection: Take the following questions to consider: What words of truth do you need to hear? * Are there things from the past that you want to get rid of? * Do you know yourself to be seen by Jesus? * What does it take to be in relationship with God?

Prayer: “Lord, thank You for Your word, Your word of truth. Lord, teach me to embrace Your truth more and more. Thank You that I may be Your own. Teach me more and more what that means as I come to understand Your Word more and more. Amen”

DAILY DEVOTION