August 22

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isaiah 43:1
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​Memorize this Verse:
1. B N T S T L T C T O J A H T F T O I F N F I H R T I H C T B T N T A M

Notes on verse:

“Formed”: The only explanation for the ongoing existence of the nation of Israel is God’s sovereign grace, which brought her into existence from nothing (Deut. 7:6-11), and sustains her. Since she was God’s creation, she could find comfort in knowing that no one or nothing can destroy her, not even her own wickedness (43:18-25; Romans 11:1-2, 25-27).

“Jacob … Israel”: This double designation for God’s chosen nation is used by Isaiah 21 times (16 of them in chapters 40-49). This speaks of the Lord’s special attachment to Abraham’s physical seed.

“Fear not”: The Lord repeated His word, relieving Israel’s fear (35:4; 41:10, 13-14; compare 7:4).

“Redeemed”: God’s redemption of His people from exile is not to be complete until His Servant returns to reign over the faithful remnant in the land of Israel who have believed on Jesus Christ. The limited return from Babylon only typified the final return.

“Israel” means prince of God, so you can easily see, they are called of His name. The creation always belongs to its Creator. Creator God (“Elohim”), as we have learned in other lessons, is the Word of God. The first chapter of John is definite about that.

Jacob, in the verse above, means the physical house of Israel. God has not forgotten His people and the Scripture here, shows that God is their Deliverer.

TODAY'S BIBLE READING

August 22
Today's Bible Reading Plan selections can be found below. If you don't have a Bible with you, just click the references to read each passage online:

Old Testament
Esther 3-4  —  7.5 minutes
Proverbs 16:1-16  —  3.0 minutes

New Testament
Luke 19:39-48  —  2.5 minutes
Titus 3:1-8  —  2.0 minutes

Total Average Read Time — 15.0 minutes