Hope for Exiles

Read Together: Isaiah 43:1–7

As followers of Jesus, there is a real sense in which we are “strangers and exiles” in this world (1 Pet 2:11). On Sunday, we looked at Jeremiah 31:2–22 where we saw God’s words of hope for Israel, and for us, as we live as pilgrims in this world. Isaiah 43 is another passage of hope written to exiles that we too can look to for hope for our present and our eternal future.

In Isaiah 43, the Lord declares to his people in exile, “Fear not!” God’s people in exile do not need to live in fear, and the foundation for this courage and fearlessness is rooted in who God is and what God promises to do. The Lord describes himself in these verses as Israel’s Creator, God, and Savior. He is “the Holy One of Israel,” a title of both transcendence (the Holy One) and closeness (of Israel).    

As their holy Creator and Savior, he has redeemed them. He knows them through and through, and they are his. Even though they are in the wilderness and may pass through water and fire, he will be with them to guard them. The Lord declares that he is with his people and loves them, and so he will act on behalf of his people in delivering them from the nations.

As we live as “strangers and exiles” on this earth, these promises are ours in Christ Jesus. We don’t need to live in fear in this wilderness. The Lord is our Maker and Redeemer. He is forever present, and he loves us with an unfailing love. So, as those called by his Name, created by him, we can live for chief purpose he made us: his glory (43:7). Our posture as exiles, then, should be one of hopeful, active waiting for our Maker and Redeemer to gather his people and make all things new. 

Discussion Questions

  1. What does it mean that followers of Jesus are “strangers and exiles” in this world?
  2. According to Isaiah 43, why don’t God’s people need to live in fear?
  3. How does our identity as “strangers and exiles” affect how we live in this world?

Ideas for Younger Kids

  • Read “Operation ‘No More Tears!’” in The Jesus Storybook Bible (pages 144–51). Talk with your kids about the situation of Isaiah and Jeremiah (Israel in exile) and how we too are “exiles”, waiting for Jesus to come and take us home. And in this situation, God shows us great love and kindness.
  • Alternatively, read Exodus 16:13–21 (the story of God providing manna to his people in the wilderness). Discuss the similarities between our situation and Israel’s, and about how God provides for us as we live as “exiles” on this earth.

Memorization: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isa 43:1)

Song: Listen to “Almost Home” (Matt Papa & Matt Boswell). Kids might enjoy “Fear Not” by Ellie Holcomb.

Pray Together

  • Praise God that that he is the Holy One who made all things and who will make all things new.
  • Confess before God that we are broken, sinful people living in a broken sinful world. We struggle with doubts and fears that are rooted in unbelief.  
  • Give thanks to God that he meets us in this wilderness and gives us renewed faith, hope, love, and courage.
  • Pray that God would give us a deep faith and courage each day as we face this “short, uncertain earthly life and pilgrimage” (Martyn Lloyd-Jones).

Go Together

  • Write out or print Isaiah 43:1 and put it in a prominent place in your home. This week, take time to remember that we can live in courage, without fear, even in the wilderness of this life because God is with us, he loves us, and he has given us great hope for our eternal future in Jesus.
 
If you have any questions, comments, or ideas related to this Family Faith Talk guide or future guides, please let us know by leaving a comment!

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