Besides Me There Is No Savior

Read 2 Chronicles 13

Read Isaiah 43

Though there is a little sting in Isaiah 43 (including a very harsh ending) this chapter is mostly a wonderful and beautiful proclamation of the Good News of a loving God who redeems his people. God proclaims himself to be the One True God, and not only that, but a God who has chosen a people to be his precious possession. God reminds them of how he parted the sea before him, snuffed out the Egyptian army as if it were a smoldering flame, and how he pardoned Israel's transgressions, remembering the sins no more.

And in verse 11 we see a most beautiful reminder that the Savior of the world must be God himself. He says, "I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior." There is no other savior because there is only one Savior who can appease the wrath of God. Only God can appease God's wrath. It might sound funny to the world that we Christians talk this way, but we talk this way because the Bible talks this way, and we know the Bible is perfect truth, and the Good News of our salvation.

Yes, God alone can rescue from God. God even challenges the straying nation, asking who can deliver them from the hand of God? (v. 13). The implied answer is "no one can." Well, no one, except for God.

And this is why this chapter is a beautiful prophecy of Christ. Yes, in Jesus Christ, God does a "new thing" (v. 19) by becoming incarnate. Yes, the fullness of the deity in human flesh. The Son of God, begotten from his Father from eternity, is born in time, born a human baby. And this weak, little child, is the only one who can rescue us from God.

And so we see Jesus life a holy life before the Father, and then give that holy life to be our rescue. Though our transgressions are many, because of Jesus' blood shed on the cross, our sins are remembered no more.

And so, in remembrance of our baptism, let us remember that all our sins are washed away and drowned in the grace of God. And when we have the opportunity (perhaps Sunday?) let us partake of the Body and Blood of Christ which is "for the forgiveness of sins." Let us receive this forgiveness with thanksgiving, and rejoice that God has rescued us from God. Yes, Jesus has redeemed us by suffering the Father's wrath on the cross. Indeed, life then springs forth from the parched and arid desert of our souls (v. 19).

All thanks and praise to God!

Ask Yourself:

Do I look anywhere else for forgiveness? For rescue? - (we always have a tendency to rely on ourselves!)

What transgressions do I confess before God today?

Christ has given our arid souls new life and growth! How can I use my new life in a God-pleasing way?

Pray:

O Lord, Jesus Christ, there is no savior except for you. You have redeemed us with your holy, precious blood and your innocent suffering and death. I pray that you might ever keep me as your own. Renew a right spirit within me and restore unto me the joy of my salvation. Then strengthen me to glorify you in all I think, say, and do. Amen.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!