Reflection on Isaiah 43:1-7

In Isaiah 43: 1-7 God assures us that He will redeem us when we pass through difficulties and the difficulties as given in this chapter of water, river, fire and flames of fire. But how is water, river, fire and flames of fire a problem since most of the writings do not refer to them as problems? The fact of the matter is that it is not addressed to Christians today but to the nation of Israel.

God says that He will protect them as they walk through waters, rivers, fire and flame. He did do this. He protected them as they walked on dry land as they crossed the Red Sea (Ex. 14:21-22) and when they crossed the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17). The fire and flame may refer to Daniel’s three friends in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:16-25). These figures of speech refer to God’s protection of His people.

A close examination of the verses surrounding the above verses will reveal that God is talking about being Israel’s Savior.

God referred to Himself as a Savior in the Old Testament before Jesus arrived and became our Savior to forgive our sins. God is a Savior when He protects us from sin and from physical harm.

So though this passage does not directly apply to Christians, it reveals God’s character and His character reveals how He will treat any true follower of His. God gives us this assurance in Psalm 30: 5 (NIV) .

“For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning”.