March 6, 2014.

“But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.”
(Isaiah 43:1)

There is a song called “Do not fear” based largely on this text in Isaiah 43. It is a beautiful song that we are learning at the student center. It teaches so much truly. It is an amazing concept to me that the Lord of all, who created all and who is in all, would care enough about us personally to say these words, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Fear not. What a wonderful phrase.

Let’s dwell on this a little more. Why are we to fear not? After all, isn’t the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10)? Indeed it is, but I believe the Lord is trying to get a different point across here, though a related one. The creator almighty demands fear an reverence for the simple fact of who he is. But here’s the thing: nothing else- no man or beast or material thing- does. Nothing comes close to his power and wisdom, and nothing ever will. Therefore, if this almighty power is looking after you (perhaps redeemed you, so to speak), what have you to fear? What could you fear, thus giving it more power than God, at least in your mind? The Lord, our savior, says “Fear not,” because nothing else on earth or above is to be feared. Amen.

The suggested reading today includes a passage from Colossians in which Paul talks about the preeminence of Christ. I was reading through last night, and it just hit me how he describes the glory and honor that is due him and no one else. I implore you to pay attention to how he describes his Lord, and join in worship with the rest of the body. One day we will be in his presence forever, the astonishment never fading. What a glorious thought.

Suggested Daily Reading: Isaiah 25, 43, Colossians 1, Romans 8.

Hallelujah to our King.

-Walter