July 8, 2024 - Isaiah 43-47

What wonderful and encouraging words Isaiah speaks to the people!  May I just quote the prophet, today?  I mean, I don’t know how to type anything that would add to significance of these promises and the joy and hope they give.  Oh, how the Lord cares for us!  How he holds us!  How he loves us!

“1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.

 4 Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life’” (43:1-4).

Precious Lord, take my hand,

Lead me on, let me stand,

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;

Through the storm, through the night,

Lead me on to the light:

When my way grows drear,

Precious Lord, linger near,

When my life is almost gone,

Hear my cry, hear my call,

Hold my hand lest I fall:

When the darkness appears

And the night draws near,

And the day is past and gone,

At the river I stand,

Guide my feet, hold my hand:

Take my hand, precious Lord,

Lead me home.   -- Thomas Andrew Dorsey (1938)