Thou Art Mine

"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." Isaiah 43:1-2

God knows his people and who are his. Not everyone that is of the church are really in the church as was Israel as the Apostle Paul points out in Romans 9:6, "Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:" Many frequent the house of God but are not his. They will not obey his Word and cast it behind their backs. They sit and close their ears to what scripture is being given and leave the same way they came, in fact in worse case because their hearts are being more hardened each time they refuse to receive instruction or wisdom from his Word. "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Proverbs 29:1 To them, church is an "experience" or a social gathering where they can meet others in the community to advance whatever cause they may deem important.

But Christ knows who are his. He knows his sheep. "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." John 10:14 "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Timothy 2:19 They are hungry for God's Word and for communing with the Master. They are those who yearn when their prayer lives are being invaded by whatever Satan would chose to invade them with. They are those who will stand against adversity and do it with courage but yet love for the adversary which can only be done through God's grace. "44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" Matthew 5:44 And while the above verses in Isaiah pertains directly to Israel and their future trials with the coming kingdoms including Babylon, Mede-Persia, Greece, and finally Rome, it is also looking at the church. God will keep his own. He will keep his people in troubled times and will not cause his elect to go astray if they hold on to Him. The saints will be briefly overcome during the tribulation by the anti-Christ as we read in Revelation 13:7 "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." But again remember friends, that is during the tribulation. That will last for only a short time for "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." Revelation 17:14. Christ will overcome the super church and the anti-Christ. He knows his people. Remember what Jesus said. "And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days." Mark 13:20 Remember that God "calls the shots." He is still in control and will have his way. Since the believer knows that, we should rest in him. If you are a true follower of Christ, rest in Psalm 91. Read it, memorize it, meditate it! Notice the promises in it as well as the conditions for these promises!

1 ¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 ¶ Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.