MEDITATIONS FROM ISAIAH

 

January 11, 2006

Reading: Isaiah 43:1-3

 

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God,

The Holy one of Israel, your Savior”

 

Look back, my soul, and note the many who have willingly given their lives rather than deny their Redeemer and the truths revealed to them by the Holy Spirit. Early church apostles preferred the sword than to be known as one who recanted their faith. To be ripped apart by wild animals was the choice of ‘ordinary’ Believers when given the opportunity to deny their Savior. How can you refer to them as ‘ordinary’, yet that is what they were? Four hundred and fifty years ago the reformation was founded on the lives of Christians who submitted their bodies to the flames rather than deny the Word of God and the Christ that delivered them from a perverse and hypocritical church.

The number of martyrs who died with the words of our text in their hearts and on their lips will never be known. These words bring comfort, strength and assurance to both the learned and simple of God’s people. When the smoke of burning faggots filled their nostrils, the words of their God filled their souls, “Fear not, you are mine … When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” The body may perish but the soul remains untouched and undisturbed by the grace of God.

Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were chained together and tied to a post. As the flames engulfed them, Latimer was heard to shout to Ridley, “Be of good comfort Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace in England as I trust shall never be put out.” An onlooker reports, “The fire leapt up toward him and he cried out loud, ‘O Father of Heaven, receive my soul.’” He stroked his face with his hands and then bathed them in the fire; then with little or no pain, as it seemed, very soon after the fire had been kindled, he succumbed.”

Such is the testimony of those martyred in the name of Jesus Christ. Thomas Bilney, a man of little stature but giant of soul, was visited by friends the night before his burning. They discussed the scriptures and the God of the scriptures and, throughout the night he read the words of our text. It is said of him, “He faced the flames with courage as the flames took their time to consume his body.” Throughout the ordeal the one word he uttered over and over again was, “Jesus.”

Soul of mine, how little you are called upon to suffer for the sake of Him who died for you. But, no matter the experience, the words of Isaiah 43 remain the same and are there for your comfort. Draw whatever your need from them. They are God’s remedy for the ailments of your body and soul.

 

“O, God of martyrs, Lord of my soul, accept with grace my thanks for the provision of Your Word to my heart. I take great comfort and draw unlimited strength from the knowledge that I am Yours and You call me by my name. Thank You for being my Redeemer, my Lord and my God.”