You are mine!

Xanthe Galanis

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  Isaiah 43:1-2

How often has someone said to you, “Don’t worry, God has a plan!” Do you always believe this? Or do you have days where you look at your circumstances and think to yourself, “But does he really? How can I know that God has a plan I can trust?”

Isaiah reminds us here that God is our creator, the one who formed us. When we make something, we usually have a purpose for the thing we have made. But then, if indeed he has created us, isn’t it possible that we might be obligated to perform according to his expectations and we risked being used by a malevolent and vengeful God.  

However, the first thing our creator tells us is not to fear.  And he goes on to explain why.  He gives us two reasons. First, he has ransomed us, redeemed us.  This points to the great buy-back plan by Jesus Christ who redeemed his people through his death on the cross. Second, he has called us by name. Replace “Jacob” and “Israel” with your name; how do you feel now? God has promised to never forsake us, and he has explicitly said that we are his. This is a creator who loves his creation! To know someone by name means that you know them personally, that they’re not just a face or a number. God desires to know us personally, to have a relationship with us.

And we need to have a relationship with him. When we become completely dependent upon him, then we have fulfilled, in part, our purpose here on this earth. 

Prayer: Father, the comfort of knowing that you know me by name is beyond all measure. When I feel insignificant and afraid, let me hear your voice calling and find security in knowing that I am yours.