When God is Your Savior and King (Isaiah 43)

Isaiah 43:1-28; 3a, 15

"For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..." (Isa 43:3a, NIV). "I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel's Creator, your King." (Isa 43:15, NIV).

What are the practical effects of God being our Savior and King?

1. He redeems and protects us (43:1-7). There is no fear in adversity.
2. He makes us his witnesses (43:8-13). We declare that he is God (Isa 43:13).
3. He will do a new thing (43:14-21). We experience miracles.
4. He forgives our sins (43:22-28). Despite our rebellion (Isa 43:22-24), God extends mercy.
5. He blesses our children (44:1-5). Despite the parent's sins, God pours out his Spirit on the children.
   

References:

1. The LORD is the Gracious Redeemer (Isaiah 43:1-13).
2. Study Guide on Isaiah 43 (David Guzik): Fear Not.
1. Reasons to not fear (1-7): You belong to God (1). God is with you (2-7).
   
2. Witnesses to the work of the Lord (8-13).
• The nations and the people of Israel are called to either prove their case or accept God's (8-9).
  
• The Lord commissions his witnesses (10-13).
  
3. The Lord redeems a hard-hearted people (14-28).
• A promise to judge Babylon (14-17).
  
• God promises his exiled people a new work (18-21).
  
• The hard-heartedness of God's people (22-24).
  
• The Lord's mercy to a hard-hearted people (25-28).
  
3. Outline of Isaiah 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 — Messages to Judah and the remnant of Israel.
• Do not fear! (Isa 43:1-7).
• You are my witnesses (Isa 43:8-13).
• God's plan to rescue Israel from Babylonian captivity (Isa 43:14-21).
• Israel has forgotten God (Isa 43:22-28).
4. Webb Barry G. The Message of Isaiah. Isaiah 43:1-44:5 is a reaffirmation of Israel's calling to be the Lord's servant. Though the Lord has pointed to another greater Servant, it does not mean that Israel's own servant role is abrogated. Rather, God states otherwise (Isa 43:10; 44:1-2). Isa 43:1-44:5 can be summarized in six great statements of encouragements, one for each of its six parts:
   
1. Fear not (43:1-7).
2. You are my witnesses (43:8-13).
3. I am the Lord ... your King (43:14-15).
4. See, I am doing a new thing! (43:16-21)
5. I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions (43:22-28).
6. I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring (44:1-5).