God’s Love for His People, His Proof (Isaiah 43:1–13)

Isaiah’s prophecy here reassures the future generations who would be in exile. God disciplines His people, but He loves them. God disciplines His people, because He loves them. Therefore, they are not forgotten. They will never be forgotten. He is with them. He will bring His people through all their troubles, all their trials. They are special because of His choice. They are His and will be redeemed, ransomed.

Of course, this does not just apply to those future generations in exile in Babylon. That is for us today merely the first proofs of God’s love and faithfulness for His people. They are “Exhibit A”. Isaiah’s prophecy sees a future day when the people of God will not be redeemed from Babylon, but from their very rebellion that sent them there in the first place. God will ransom His people from their sin.

Isaiah calls all the nations to gather and see. God’s people are proof. They are a witness. Even in the Old Testament this was always the case. God chose a people and loved them to serve as a proof to all the world that God loves them. He is on a mission to redeem all of creation. To rescue people from every tribe and language. God’s people are witnesses and evidence. Israel was to draw all people to God, and today the followers of Jesus have the same mission.