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1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. 4 Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; 6 I will say to the north, "Give them up," and to the south, "Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." (Isaiah 43:1-7 NRSV)
A blessed and tremendous Thursday be yours, ConCafe Family, and may your blessings, dear Reader, bless your day as you seek to bless others. Why do we pray? Because God answers prayer, and our prayers for The Rev. Virglio Vasquez Garza were answered in that he was able to go home yesterday, where he will continue to heal there. Thank you for your prayers, and may God bless you in your needs and challenges. Pray for one another; pray for your needs in faith!
The Baptism of the Lord Jesus was about identification and it's also about reclamation; we were made by God, and God wants us back! This passage gives us great background on how the prophet foretold God's desire for His people. The Old Testament story is one we've talked about; the people stray, they get in trouble, they cry out to God, God responds, and there is reunion. And for a few years all is well, then the people stray again. Each time this cycle is repeated, God sends a prophet with a word from God. Each word is prophetic, as is this passage. It is a reminder to the people of God identified as Jacob in verse one. God reminds Jacob that "he," meaning all of the people, were created by God, and as such they should have no fear. The redemption for the people has come from God and as a result, fear should not be part of our makeup. Through the redemption God has called us, and God has called us by name, and declared that we are His!
The rest of the passage reminds me of my father and his counsel and advice through the years. Growing up I was always aware of my father and mother's protection and love. I could be on the highway in the middle of nowhere headed to Colorado and I felt secure just in knowing that if anything happens and I need him, he will come. I have also tried to instill that in my daughters' lives too; that it matters no the day nor the hour, I will be there and do what I can to help them out. And Nellie will be at my side as well. And way more powerful and awesome is that same knowledge that God is with me. I remember the day I realized I was now the Dad, the one who would respond. And I sadly lamented the day when my Dad was no longer here on earth, but I knew my Dad was resting in Glory in the presence of God, and God was still with me.
When we were presented for baptism in the church, it was God and not the pastor, who said, "I formed you, I know you by name, and you are mine. I love you and I will always be with you, no matter what challenge or obstacle may come your way. You are so precious to me, and you have my honor and love; and I would spare no expense to have you know that, and more importantly, to know me. Let fear no longer be a part of your life; because I am with you. And it matters not where you may wander off to, I will be there, too. And, if you like, I will gather you back if you would but ask. No one should ever be lost from me." Isn't this exactly what Jesus said through His entire life and ministry? It is. And it should help us be called back to His embrace and love.
PRAYER: Loving Father, I claim and receive all the words You have shared with me; but more importantly, the acts of love You have done have spoken to my heart and spirit, and I am yours. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Share the Good News of God's love today with a stranger!
Receive my blessings of love and hope,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
