Notes From the Pastor's Desk
January 4, 2026
Through the Waters, the Rivers & the Fire
One of the greatest passages in the Bible says, “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isa. 43:1,2). We know these verses are primarily directed to the nation of Israel. Since we are not a biological Jew, we can make a claim by application in the church today. This is true for saved Gentiles as well. There are three important things I note from this verse that enables us to lay claim on Verse 2.
I. God Redeeming
It is clear in the Bible the Lord has made salvation possible both to Jew and Gentile. The Lord says in Verse 1, “I have redeemed thee.” Israel was delivered from Pharoah and Egypt at the price of the blood of the Passover. Their redemption and deliverance came because the required blood was placed on the lintel and the doorposts of their houses. They were obedient to the Lord and did what He said to do, so the Red Sea opened up for them to cross on dry ground. It was a blood redemption, a bountiful redemption and a blessed redemption.
II. God Calling
“I have called thee by name” (v. 1). The Lord knows the name of all of His sheep. When He calls our name, His sheep hear His voice and follow Him (Jn. 10:27). He calls us to salvation to be delivered from sin's penalty, its power and one day its presence. Jesus calls us to service (Jn. 15:4-7). In addition, He calls us to sanctification (1 Cor. 6:11). Calling by name speaks of a personal and intimate knowledge the Lord has of His people.
III. God Preserving
See the words “thou art mine” in v. 1. That is why we do not have to be afraid of the deep waters of life, the swift rivers of life, or the threatening fires of life we face from time to time. We do not have to be afraid because God has pledged to take care of His own. Because we are His by redemption, we can rest assured of His care. That care is constant and it is complete. God never does a half-way job.