Isaiah 43:1-7; Mt. 28:19-20, No Excuses (2)

Here is a continuation of the chart on God’s promise to be with those He calls to serve Him.  I am hoping you will take some time to consider each of these.  It is a subject of great importance, and as you will see today, it is fundamental to the New Covenant where Christ promised to sent His Spirit who would always be with us. 

REF.	SITUATION	FEAR	OTHER
Jud 6:14ff	Gideon called from a lowly tribe		Context of service
2Chr.20:15-17	Jehoshaphat preparing for war	X	Lord to fight
2Chr.32:7f	Hezekiah, threat of Assyria	X	Lord to fight; be courageous, strong
Isa.41:10	Israel my servant (v8-9)	X	Strength, help, upholding
Isa.43:1-7	Regathering of Israel + time of exile (i.e. deep water)	X	You are mine, I am your God
Jer.1:6-8	Call of Jeremiah (too young)		Context of service
Jer.30:10f	Regathering of Israel	X	Will save
Jer.46:27f	Regathering of Israel		Peace, Security
Mt.28:19f	Making disciples
Jn.14:15f	Provision of Holy Spirit		Context: obedience, love
Hb.13:5-6	Contentment/obedience	X	Lord is our helper; what can man do?

Here are some things to think about.

1.    The Lord is with us for obedience and service.

2.    It is not just His presence for the sake of being present.  If God is present it is with influence, for Him to be glorified in the situation.

3.    For some, carrying God around is like carrying around a gold cross.  This was often the case for Israel who struggled with idolatry throughout her history. 

4.    When Israel was disobedient, God’s promise was to withdraw from them.  This was the Law of Moses.

5.    It is true that for the Christian the promise of the Spirit is “forever.”  But of course our problem is that when we walk in unbelief or disobedience we grieve the Spirit (Eph. 4:30) and quench the Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19).  In other words, He is present but not in power.  We are commanded to be filled with (controlled by) the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).