Welcome to Day 5 of our 365-day journey through God’s promises to “Fear Not” in 2025!
Today's Scripture:
Isaiah 43:1 (NLT) – "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine."
Monthly Theme Reminder:
This month, we’re focusing on how God’s presence gives us the courage to overcome fear.
Weekly Theme Reminder:
This week, we’re exploring God’s promise to always be with us, no matter what we face.
Welcome back to Jesus and the Average Joe! Today is Day 5 of our year-long journey to “Fear Not” in 2025. This week, we’ve been reflecting on God’s presence and how it emboldens us in life’s challenges. Isaiah 43:1 is a beautiful reminder that God not only sees us—He knows us, ransoms us, and calls us His own.
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1
Let’s pause and take a look at the Biblical context of the word “ransom.” Ransonm refers to a payment made to free someone from bondage, captivity, or debt. It signifies a price being paid to secure someone’s freedom or release.
Biblical Definition of Ransom:
- A Redemptive Price:
The term is often used to describe the act of God delivering His people by paying a spiritual “price.” For example, Jesus’ death on the cross is described as a ransom for humanity’s sins (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45). - Deliverance or Rescue:
In Isaiah 43:1, “I have ransomed you” conveys God’s act of rescuing His people (Israel) from danger or captivity, such as their deliverance from Egypt or Babylon. On a spiritual level, it reflects God’s commitment to redeem individuals from the bondage of sin and death. - Ownership Restored:
To ransom someone is to reclaim them. By ransoming us, God not only rescues but also declares us as His own, reaffirming the relationship between the Creator and His people.
In everyday terms, to ransom is to “buy back” or “redeem,” and in the context of Isaiah 43:1, it emphasizes God’s immense love and sacrifice to claim us as His beloved.
Have you ever felt unseen or forgotten? Isaiah 43:1 is God’s declaration that you are neither. This verse speaks to His love and ownership, reminding us that we belong to Him in the most personal way possible.
One of the most moving truths I’ve learned in my faith journey is how intimately God knows each of us. He doesn’t just see the world in broad strokes; He knows our names, our struggles, and our hearts.
When God says, “I have ransomed you,” it’s a declaration of His sacrificial love—a love so profound that He gave His Son to redeem us. When He says, “You are mine,” it’s an unshakable assurance of belonging.
You are not forgotten or overlooked. The Creator of the universe knows your name and has called you His own. Let that truth give you courage today. You belong to Him, and His love for you is infinite.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for knowing me so personally and calling me by name. When I feel unseen or unworthy, remind me that I belong to You. Help me to trust in Your redeeming love. Amen.
Challenge:
Take a quiet moment to reflect on the truth that God knows your name. Write down Isaiah 43:1 and place it somewhere you’ll see it often, letting it remind you of your belonging to Him.
Share your thoughts...