Divine Possession

Isaiah 43:1 – But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “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.

The Lord redeemed His people, from their bondage of slavery.

What an extraordinary sight it must have been that night, as a teeming multitude of Israelite slaves, having plundered their Egyptian masters, marched out, lock stock and barrel, from their land of bondage, into freedom. This was followed by the even more spectacular sight of the Lord parting the waters of the Red Sea for the Israelites to walk across on dry land, while their pursuing enemies were engulfed in the very same waters. The Lord who had created His people, had also redeemed them from centuries of bondage bringing them into the land He had promised. An exodus by which God brought Israel into being. The Lord in this text is establishing His right over His people, reminding them that they were His, twice over, as their Creator and Redeemer.

As Christians, this is true for us. Our God who created and formed us in His image, is also the One who redeemed us through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross on our behalf, restoring our relationship with God, as His sons and daughters. When we accept Christ and His gift of salvation, we become His, all over again. He calls us His own and says, you are Mine. He assures us that He is with us. Through the most challenging situations, He will never leave us and remains in sovereign control. Even when things seem scary and beyond our control, He will make a way for us. What a powerful and yet comforting thought, that the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the Almighty God, calls us His very own, twice over, as our Creator and Redeemer.

All of us have been created by God and yet, to be redeemed by Him is a choice that we make. Have you accepted Christ as your Saviour, by faith accepting that He died on that cross for your sin, to buy your pardon? If not, what is stopping you? Is there someone who needs to hear this truth from you this week?

As His children we are not just image-bearers of the Almighty God, we are also under His authority and rule. We are called to live for Him fulfilling His Kingdom purposes for our lives. We are to love Him with all our hearts, soul and strength and love our neighbours as ourselves (Luke 10:27). Our reasonable response to His redeeming love is to live as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to Him (Romans 12:1), bringing Him honour and glory through our lives.

How is your life reflecting that you do indeed belong to the King of kings and Lord of lords? Are your choices, responses and decisions honouring your divine Master?

Lord may I ever be conscious that I am yours, and live each day to honour you, I pray.