Isaiah 43:1-7, A Word from Our Sponsor

On Monday, July 31st, there was a band of praying women in this sanctuary. It was a time of Travailing to Prevail. This was a time of intense prayer. These sisters literally prayed with great intensity.

They came with great expectation and anticipation for God to hear them. This kind of praying is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are serious about laboring before God in God’s throne room.

While in my office working, as they were travailing before God, a thunderous sound of God’s presence invaded my “quiet time!” I instantly stopped what I was doing and fell to my knees seeking the face of God! And as I was seeking God’s face, this scripture came to my heart!

Isaiah 43:1-7

A Word from Our Sponsor

Introduction:

What does it mean to say a “sponsor”? It means a person or organization that supports a person or thing through a pledge, promise, or financial contribution. Therefore, in the case of Israel and in our case, God supports us through his covenantal agreement and unconditional love for us. Thus, the purpose of the message today.

Structurally, the Book of Isaiah is divided into two parts—First Isaiah and Second Isaiah. First Isaiah comprises Chapters 1-39, and Second Isaiah comprises Chapters 40-66.

In chapters 1-39, Isaiah shines light on Israel’s moment of chaos. “Chaos is an Old Testament word.” German theologian, Karl Barth, named it Das Nichtige (dus – nees-tee-guh), the crushing, irresistible force of disorder as yet un-tamed, and on the loose in our world. That is the recurring place of the disciples, the place of the church, the place of preaching, the place where we all live.

Clearly, Second Isaiah not only embraces and acknowledges pain, but also responds to it, moves through it to hope and promise.[1] “There is an abrupt shift in the [Isaiah] corpus from oracles of doom to themes of consolation…”

“…the judgment declared in 1–39 is real and has been implemented. There really is a judgment and Isaiah’s message has come to fruition. That judgment, however, is not the last word. The last word is promise.[2]

Walter Brueggemann, renowned author and Old Testament scholar, spoke about God being a dialogic partner actively engaged with his people, and how this relationality shapes our understanding of God’s justice, grace, and law.

So let us delve into the pericope of Isaiah 43:1-7 and hear a Word from Our Sponsor! Let us investigate what God is saying to God’s people!

I. The Sponsor’s Relationship with Us (v.1)

a. “But now…” – transitional – there is a SHIFT!!

b.God will speak to us in our pain, in our struggle, in our situation

i. “…He who created…He who formed…” – the God of Genesis…

c. “Do not FEAR…” – “Do not be AFRAID…”.

d.YOU ARE MINE!!!

II. The Sponsor’s Protection for Us (v.2)

a. In this verse (2) God assures his people that he will be with them whenever they face danger, so that it does not overcome them.[3]

i. Dangers of the WATER, RIVERS, & FIRE!

ii. God is IMMANUEL – God is with Us (v.2a)

b.(v2) – “pass through, pass through, walk through – temporary, not permanent…

c. The Hebrew verb rendered consume means “to burn up completely (take you out).[4]

III. The Sponsor’s Redemption Provided for Us (vv.3-4)

a. (v.3) Ransom. Price for redeeming or liberating slaves, captives, property, or life. Jesus describes his entire ministry as one of service in giving his life “as a ransom for many”[5]

b.(v.3) Ransom. In the OT God provided various regulations for his covenant people whereby life and property could be “redeemed,” “bought back,” or “set free” by payment of ransom (cf. Lv 25–27). Ransom involved a price paid as a substitute for that which was redeemed or set free.[6]

i. (v.4) to be precious v. — to be or become worthy, precious, valuable, or costly.

ii. (v.4) to be honored/respected v. — to be shown respect or esteem.

iii. (v.4) to love (care) v. — to have a great affection or care for or loyalty towards.

IV. The Sponsor’s Rescue/Return/Restoration of Us (vv.5-7)

a. “God Promises to Rescue His People,”

b.“God is Israel’s protector and liberator.”

c. God is “Israel’s Only Savior.”

i. God brought Israel OUT of Egypt.

ii. God brought Daniel OUT of the Lion’s Den

iii. God brought the Hebrew Trio OUT of the Fiery Furnace

iv. Jesus brought a dead Lazarus OUT of a Lonely Tomb

v. God brought JESUS OUT of a Cold Grave

1.And since God has such a good track record, I think I will shout, praise, dance, and worship in FAITH, that I’M COMING OUT OF THIS! – WHATEVER THIS is!!!!

[1]Brueggemann, Walter. Old Testament Theology: Essays on Structure, Theme, and Text. Edited by Patrick D. Miller, Fortress Press, 1992, p. 261. [2]Brueggemann, Walter. Old Testament Theology: Essays on Structure, Theme, and Text. Edited by Patrick D. Miller, Fortress Press, 1992, p. 253. [3]Ogden, Graham S., and Jan Sterk. A Handbook on Isaiah. Edited by Paul Clarke et al., vol. 1 & 2, United Bible Societies, 2011, p. 1165. [4]Ogden, Graham S., and Jan Sterk. A Handbook on Isaiah. Edited by Paul Clarke et al., vol. 1 & 2, United Bible Societies, 2011, p. 1165. [5]Elwell, Walter A., and Barry J. Beitzel. “Ransom.” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, vol. 2, Baker Book House, 1988, p. 1821. OT Old Testament cf. compare [6]Elwell, Walter A., and Barry J. Beitzel. “Ransom.” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, vol. 2, Baker Book House, 1988, p. 1821.