Isaiah 43:10-11
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.” Isaiah 43:10-11 NIV
Much like today, people back in the day didn’t want to hear about God. They didn’t want to hear about who He is and what He had done. And even though those who believed were tasked with sharing their faithful testimonies, again, much like today, there may be some skepticism or maybe just unsure of how to do so. Today, we the Church has been called to be God's witnesses to a world of lost sinners. We have been commanded to go and make disciples of all the nations. But a day is coming when Israel will once again be handed the baton of witness and they will complete the task for which they were called to be a light to the Gentiles and God's witness to the lost and then they will preach the gospel of the kingdom throughout the earth. We live in a world today that teaches there are many different ways to God. Many people insist that all religions lead to the same God (Universalism). Is this true? The God of the Bible has told us Himself that “besides Me there is no savior” in verse 11. If God had said there are many ways to Himself, then, yes, there are many ways to Him. But He has not said that. He says that He alone is the “savior.” Many people today think there is more than one way to God. They are placing their trust in people or religions that will only lead to eternal destruction. The New Testament teaches us that apart from the fellowship which we have through faith with Jesus Christ, the Saviour whom God the Father sent into the world, there is no salvation. Besides Jesus Christ there is no Savior. He alone unties us from the slavery of sin and death. Throughout His dealings with Israel in the Old Testament, the Lord was working toward the coming of this Savior. The slavery of Egypt and Babylon symbolized the slavery of sin and death, the deliverance from Egypt and Babylon symbolized the deliverance from the slavery of sin and death. Moreover, the gathering of the exiles from the corners of the earth foreshadowed the gathering of all God’s people from the corners of the earth. As Christians in a pluralistic society, let us not be afraid to stand up for the exclusive character of the Christian faith. Apart from the Lord, there is no Savior. This is the reason for mission and evangelism. Apart from a small remnant who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, Israel is still in unbelief. Though many have returned to the land, many remain scattered across the earth in unbelief. But in His grace, God rehearsed His promises to His people Israel through the lips of Isaiah the prophet and His Word is unbreakable. To God alone be glory, now and forevermore!!!
Father thank You for this day and Your goodness and faithfulness to Your people. Lord pour out your abundant blessings over my friend and family today. Lord Israel who for so long have been a nation living in unbelief and in rebellion to the truth of the gospel. Lord thank You for Your long-suffering mercy and the assurance that they will one day fulfil the work that You have called them to do to be Your witnesses to a world that is lost in sin and to know and believe that You are the Lord. Lord thank You that in Your grace You called out of the Gentiles a people for Your name, to tell forth the good news of the gospel of grace until the day when Israel proclaims the gospel of the kingdom and acknowledges You as their Messiah and Lord, in Whose name all can find hope and salvation. Lord use my friend to be a witness of Your saving grace to all today. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
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