Morgan Teruel: Welcome to the Sandals Church podcast. My name is Morgan. And during this Advent season, we invite you to pause and reflect with us. Advent is a season of anticipation, a time to remember the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus brings as he became God with us. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, let's take a moment to step away from the busyness and center our minds on the one who gives every good and perfect gift.
Wherever you are, whether at home, out for a walk, or in the midst of a hectic day, let these words speak to your soul. May you be refreshed and filled with the unshakable hope, lasting peace, overflowing joy, and boundless love that only Christ can offer. Let's take this time together to listen and reflect.
Jehzale Crockett: Let's return one more time to a time when people felt scattered and separated from all that was good, true, and sacred. A time when God felt quiet and distant. A time when daily life was lived under the weight of evil and oppression. A time when those whose hearts sought the one true God. Yet because of their faithlessness, God had removed His blessing from the people.
They were left to do life disconnected from the love of God. Now God offers them comfort, a kind that can only come from being rooted in Him. Listen as the prophet Isaiah proclaims the promises of God for a time to come. Promises of God's personal and intentional love for us. Allow your imagination to envelope you as you listen to today's passage, Isaiah 43:1-13.
But now, oh Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. Oh Israel, the one who formed you says, do not be afraid for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up. The flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the holy one of Israel, your savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom. I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored and I love you. Do not be afraid for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from East and West.
I will say to the North and South, bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the Earth. Bring all who claim me as their God for I have made them for my glory, It was I who created them. Bring out the people who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. Gather the nations together, assemble the peoples of the world. Which of their idols has ever foretold such things?
Which can predict what will happen tomorrow? Where are the witnesses of such predictions? Who can verify that they spoke the truth? 'But you are my witnesses, O Israel,' says the Lord. You are my servant.
You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God. There never has been and there never will be. I, yes I, am the Lord and there is no other savior. First I predicted your rescue then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world.
No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God, says the Lord. From eternity to eternity, I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.
As you hear these words, what is stirred in your imagination? What perspective of Jesus does this passage give you that you didn't have before? How does this passage reveal the faithful love of Jesus to you today?