Created, Formed, Called, and Redeemed

“But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’” Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)

Israel had walked through deep waters—exile, judgment, and uncertainty. Yet, in Isaiah 43:1, God speaks a profound reassurance: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine."

God reminds His people of their identity. He is their Creator, the One who formed them, not just as individuals but as a covenant people. The reference to Jacob here is expansive—it symbolizes every believer called by God, just as Israel was chosen. This truth transcends generations and reaches us today. 

Just as God called Israel by name, He calls each of us into a relationship with Him. We are not just part of a people—He knows us individually and invites us into His redemption. From the moment God called Isaiah in a vision (Isaiah 6:8), saying, “Whom shall I send?” to Jesus’ words to the disciples, “'Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’” (Matthew 4:19), God’s calling has always been personal and purposeful. He calls us not only to belong to Him but to walk in His purpose.

Redemption is at the heart of God’s relationship with His people. The Hebrew word used here—גָּאַל (ga'al)—means to redeem, to reclaim, to rescue. It carries the weight of a kinsman-redeemer, someone who steps in to restore what has been lost–as demonstrated in Ruth 4:6. This word also appears in Job 19:25, where Job declares in his suffering, "I know that my redeemer lives." Job’s confidence was anchored in God’s promise, just as Israel’s hope was rooted in the Lord’s unchanging faithfulness.

In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent λυτρόω (lytroō) conveys this same act of redemption—Christ paid the price to set us free. In Luke 24:21, the disciples expressed their hope that Jesus was the one who would redeem Israel, pointing to the deep longing for deliverance. Through Jesus, we are redeemed, brought into God’s family, and secure in His love. Just as Israel was told to fear not, we, too, have nothing to fear.

When we acknowledge God as our Creator and Redeemer, we live in the confidence of His love. We are His, created, formed, called, and redeemed by His grace. Whatever we face, He holds us securely, just as He did for Israel.

Lord, thank You for being my Creator and Redeemer. You have called me by name and made me Yours. Help me to rest in Your love, knowing I have nothing to fear. May I walk daily in the confidence of my redemption through Jesus. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim