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People have a tendency to fear God largely because of our sins. At the heart of our fear lies the narrative that our unfaithfulness to God makes us unlovable by God. This is nothing new for humanity. Ancient Israel struggled with this same fear.
In this episode of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith explores this false narrative by unpacking a passage from Isaiah 43 and offers this glorious thought: God’s love is greater than our sins. You see, Israel was afraid their unfaithfulness resulted in exile and captivity, and therefore God didn’t love them. But they were wrong. God speaks to Israel through the prophet Isaiah.
The assumption was that God punished them for their many sins. But God reminds them of this important truth: “Do not fear! I made you. I formed you. I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine. You are precious in my sight. You are honored. I love you. I am with you.” Do you need to be reminded of this truth?
Experiment with this soul training exercise: “I, _insert your name_, am precious in God’s sight. I, _insert your name_, am honored, and God loves me.” Write this down on an index card or post-it note and repeat this to yourself throughout the week. Jot down your experience with this and share it with your friend or spouse.
Key verses include Romans 12:2, Isaiah 43:1-7, Romans 6.
Related episodes:
1. Your Identity is in the Invitation
2. Jesus Holds Everything Together
3. Spiritual Mirror
4. Episode 00
5. Episode 01
Hi JIm! Thanks for always bringing God‘s redemptive truth into our lives. I’m a victim of false narratives, but my mind is being renewed. I thank God (and you) for that.
In this episode, the FULL context of Gods exile of the nation of Israel is needed, don’t you think? They are in exile because they wandered from the Lord. They are under the judgment of God. Yes, in this passage in Isaiah, they are being reassured of God’s radical, relentless, and unconditional love, but there were consequences for their sin, just like there are consequences to our sin.
You did speak of sin and how God’s Love is greater, but I need to be reminded also that there are consequences, however obvious or subtle, to my sin.
Blessings to you! You have been used by God to transform me.
Agree, Tim, 100%. The reap/sow principle is a component of the Isaiah passage that cannot be whitewashed. “Yes, Jesus loves me” is verified by this Grand News: “While we were yet sinners, Christ died.” However, the “I am loved” truth must be balanced, imo, with the reality of righteous judgement. The great news, of course, is that Our Father’s perfect judgement is always for the purpose of reconciliation. “Won’t you come home, My children,” is always the centerpiece of the Lord’s discipline.
Good observations, and I agree.
On second listening, excellent balance. Thank you, Pastor JBS. I have told everyone with a pulse about your weekly podcast. Our Bible Study is also tackling The Good and Beautiful Life. We learned a ton about our Good and Beautful God in your first in the trilogy. So good. Thank you.
I’m really struggling with my past mistakes.
Its good to hear.
Satan doesn’t really give me a day off.
Yahuah & Yahshua my master & saviour keep me safe and well.