Summoned by Name

Isaiah 43: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Have you ever received a jury summons?  That’s about the only time I ever see or hear the word “summons.”  When we receive this summons, we have to show up and respond, or suffer the consequences.  It’s our legal duty.

Did you know God summoned you by name when you were created?  So at some point during your life, it’s up to you to respond to that summons.  Jesus paid the price for you on the cross; therefore, he bought back your life out of sin – to belong to him once again.

Read the rest of this passage.  When we respond to our redeemer, acknowledging that we belong to him, look what amazing rest is ours:

We are never alone…even in rising waters.

We are never overcome…even when passing through rising waters.

We won’t be burned…even in the fire.

We won’t be consumed…even those flames lick our heels.

God never promised a life without obstacles or hurdles, or rising waters or fire.  In fact, he promised to use those things to work out good in our lives. When we realize we belong to Him, and we respond to his summons, the fear of what life brings is gone.  We know that he is with us at all times, our redeemer, delivering us over and over again, because that’s who he is:

Our God, the Holy One, Our Savior.