Body

- February 20 -

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:
(Isaiah 43:1-3)

There is an inspiring picture in which the artist has depicted a rushing, noisy waterfall, with a sturdy tree at its side harboring a little bird on one of its branches. The little songster tucks his head under his wing and is perfectly at ease. Under the painting you read the telling word: Peace. What a fine representation of the fearless peace that ought to fill our souls in these tempestuous times! What need we fear in the light of such inspiring words of our gracious God as our text contains?

It is said that God exhorts His people over seventy-six times in the Scriptures with the encouraging words "Fear not." And He furthermore assures us in our text that He has made us; that He has redeemed us from all the powers of sin and Satan; that He has called us by our names, as He did in Holy Baptism, where He made us His beloved children.

What need we fear if we give ourselves entirely into His almighty and loving hands? Did He not protect Israel when it passed through the Red Sea and later through the Jordan River? Did He not shield the three men in the fiery furnace against the kindling flames? Where is there any danger, be it ever so great, from which He cannot save? Let the waters of social unrest, rebellion, hate, and persecution rage and roar, like the contented bird in the painting we can rest and be at peace, knowing that it is omnipotent Power that protects us. With the poetess we sing:

Rocked in the cradle of the deep,
I lay me down in peace to sleep;
Secure I rest upon the wave,
For Thou, O Lord, hast power to save.
I know Thou wilt not slight my call,
For Thou dost mark the sparrow's fall.
And calm and peaceful is my sleep,
Rocked in the cradle of the deep.

The Lord's Prayer

Benediction
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
Amen.

[devotion text by Rev. F. W. Herzberger (1920) -
from the Family Altar - CPH (1957 edition)]
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