I’ll Be There With You

But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel:  “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.  I’ve called your name. You’re mine.  When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.  When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.  When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Isaiah 43: 1, 2  The Message

Precious Lord, if we could only remember Your promises when we are “in over [our] head,” what a difference it would make!  Please impress this promise upon our hearts.  Amen

The manner in which our text begins  “But now,” seems to suggest that what follows is a continuing thought from the previous chapter.  At first glance, the last verses of the preceding chapter could be very disheartening, until you understand certain concepts.  The summary of the verses is:  “Who do you think gave you up to be ravished by your captors, anyway?  The same God against whom you have sinned…He became violently angry and consumed them.”  This is a short version of a summary of the preceding verses (42: 23-25). 

I truly believe that when the Lord inspired the writing of His Holy Word (and with all of my heart I firmly believe that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God“), He gave men His perfect Message, but allowed them to use their less-than-perfect vocabulary.  They were allowed to transmit this Holy Message using the vocabulary of human beings.  Joshua’s prayer for the “sun to stand still,” was really:  “Don’t let the sun set.”  Matthew wrote of two demoniacs, while Mark only records one.  Does this make the message not true?  NOT AT ALL!  The Message of salvation is from God, it has to be true!  What I am saying is that God is perfect, human beings are not!

In ancient thought “the gods” were responsible for everything, the good and the bad.  If you were being blessed, it was because you were a good person.  The contrary was also true.  But as we saw in the case of Job, the disaster that befell him, had nothing to do with Job’s behavior.  Another side of the story is that every action causes a reaction; there is cause and effect.  Even though God gave His laws to serve as a wall of protection from disaster for the children of Israel, and anyone who would obey them; Israel chose to disobey, and when the consequences of their disobedience befell them, they accused YHWH of venting His anger upon them. 

Then there is the idea that God only loves the “good” people.  Don’t we tell our children “If you behave like a good boy or girl, God will love you.  God doesn’t love you when you are bad?”  Upon the authority of God’s Word, I want to say that this is one of the most harmful lies that we have passed on from generation to generation!  God will always love us!  Here is another reason why Christ had to come:  to interpret the Words of the Father.  God, who had spoken to the fathers through the prophets finally sent His Son to speak on His behalf.  That is why Jesus in His sermon on the mount could say the following:  “You have heard that it was said… But I say unto you…”  “For years you have heard the prophets saying…But I, who am one with the Father, am telling you what the Father meant!” 

‘Even though you are less than perfect, I created you, I redeemed you, I called you by your name, you belong to Me!  “When you’re in over your head [with bills], I’ll be there with you.” ‘  That’s how much I care!  “When you’re in rough waters (your marriage is on the rocks),  you will not go down.”  I am mighty to save!  “When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end-”  My specialty is making a way where there is no way!

God loves you and longs to save you.  Don’t ever lose sight of His love, and allow it to draw you closer to Him!