God's Unwavering Love: Abounding, Lamenting, and Abiding

 

Summary

In Isaiah 43:1-4 and 44:21-23, we find a profound expression of God's love for His people, Israel. This love is multifaceted, encompassing abounding love, lamenting love, and abiding love. Despite Israel's sins and failures, God's love remains steadfast and unwavering. He calls them by name, redeems them, and promises His presence through trials. This divine love is not contingent on Israel's actions but is rooted in God's character and His covenant with them.

The first aspect of God's love is its abundance. Even when Israel was unfaithful, God declared His love, reminding them of His creation and redemption. He assures them that they are His, and He will be with them through waters and fires, symbolizing life's trials. This love is not just a feeling but an active commitment to protect and preserve His people.

The second aspect is lamenting love. God expresses sorrow over Israel's lack of devotion and worship. Despite His abundant love, Israel has not called upon Him or honored Him with sacrifices. This lament is not out of need but out of a desire for a relationship. God values our love and is grieved when it grows cold. His lament is a call for us to return to Him with sincere hearts.

The third aspect is abiding love. Despite Israel's failures, God reaffirms His commitment to them. He calls them His servants and assures them they will not be forgotten. He blots out their transgressions and invites them to return to Him. This abiding love is a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire for a restored relationship with His people.

In conclusion, God's love for Israel is a powerful reminder of His love for us. It is a love that abounds, laments, and abides. It calls us to respond with devotion, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to walk with Him.

Key Takeaways:

- Abounding Love: God's love is declared even in times of sin and hardness of heart. He assures us of His presence through trials, promising that waters will not overflow us and fires will not burn us. This love is not based on our actions but on His character and covenant. [09:32]

- Lamenting Love: God laments when we do not call upon Him or honor Him with our lives. His lament is not out of need but out of a desire for a relationship. He values our love and is grieved when it grows cold, calling us to return to Him with sincere hearts. [30:16]

- Abiding Love: Despite our failures, God's love remains steadfast. He calls us His servants and assures us we will not be forgotten. He blots out our transgressions and invites us to return to Him, demonstrating His faithfulness and desire for a restored relationship. [42:53]

- Divine Commitment: God's love is an active commitment to protect and preserve us. He promises His presence through life's trials, assuring us that nothing can separate us from His love. This commitment is rooted in His character and His covenant with us. [22:32]

- Response to Love: Our response to God's love should be one of devotion, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to walk with Him. We are called to honor Him with our lives, offering sincere worship and living in a way that reflects His love. [46:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Isaiah 43:1-4
- [00:47] - God's Abounding Love
- [01:38] - Lamenting Love in Isaiah 44
- [02:35] - The Power of Scripture
- [03:53] - The Value of God's Word
- [05:16] - Jacob and Israel: Names of Love
- [07:33] - Love Abounding: A Deeper Look
- [09:32] - God's Love in Times of Sin
- [12:23] - Fear Not: God's Comfort
- [15:52] - God's Creative and Redemptive Love
- [18:11] - Personal Calling and Divine Ownership
- [21:28] - God's Promises Through Trials
- [24:17] - God's Gift of Himself
- [30:00] - Love Lamenting: Our Response
- [42:53] - Love Abiding: God's Faithfulness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 43:1-4
- Isaiah 44:21-23

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Observation Questions:

1. In Isaiah 43:1-4, what specific promises does God make to Israel regarding His presence during trials? How does this reflect His abounding love? [21:45]

2. According to Isaiah 44:21-23, how does God express His commitment to Israel despite their failures? What does this reveal about His abiding love? [42:53]

3. The sermon mentions God's lament over Israel's lack of devotion. What specific actions or inactions of Israel does God lament in Isaiah 43:22-24? [30:16]

4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between God's character and His love for Israel, even when they are unfaithful? [09:32]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of God's abounding love challenge the idea that divine love is conditional upon human actions? What does this suggest about the nature of God's covenant with His people? [09:32]

2. In what ways does God's lamenting love serve as a call to action for believers today? How might this lament be a reflection of God's desire for a deeper relationship with His people? [30:16]

3. How does the assurance of God's abiding love, as seen in Isaiah 44:21-23, provide comfort and encouragement to believers facing personal failures or spiritual struggles? [42:53]

4. The sermon highlights God's divine commitment to His people. How does this commitment manifest in the promises made in Isaiah 43:1-4, and what implications does it have for believers' understanding of God's faithfulness? [22:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's trials. How can the promise of God's presence in Isaiah 43:2 encourage you to trust in His abounding love during difficult times? [21:45]

2. Consider your current relationship with God. Are there areas where you have grown weary or distant, similar to Israel's lack of devotion? What steps can you take to renew your commitment to God? [30:16]

3. God's lamenting love calls us to return to Him with sincere hearts. What practical changes can you make in your daily life to prioritize your relationship with God and honor Him with your actions? [30:16]

4. How can the assurance of God's abiding love, as described in Isaiah 44:21-23, inspire you to forgive yourself for past mistakes and seek a restored relationship with God? [42:53]

5. In what ways can you actively demonstrate your gratitude for God's divine commitment to you, as seen in His promises to protect and preserve His people? [22:32]

6. Identify one specific area in your life where you can respond to God's love with devotion and gratitude. What tangible actions can you take this week to reflect His love in your interactions with others? [46:00]

7. How can you use the understanding of God's multifaceted love—abounding, lamenting, and abiding—to encourage someone else who may be struggling with their faith? [09:32]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Love Transcends Our Failures
God's love for His people is not dependent on their actions or faithfulness. Even when Israel was unfaithful, God declared His love, reminding them of His creation and redemption. He assures them that they are His, and He will be with them through waters and fires, symbolizing life's trials. This love is not just a feeling but an active commitment to protect and preserve His people. God's love is rooted in His character and His covenant, promising that waters will not overflow us and fires will not burn us. [09:32]

Isaiah 54:10 (ESV): "For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed by trials? How can you invite God's steadfast love to reassure you today?


Day 2: God's Heart Aches for Our Return
God laments when His people do not call upon Him or honor Him with their lives. His lament is not out of need but out of a desire for a relationship. He values our love and is grieved when it grows cold, calling us to return to Him with sincere hearts. This lamenting love is a reminder that God desires a deep, personal connection with us, and He is saddened when we drift away. [30:16]

Jeremiah 2:32 (ESV): "Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number."

Reflection: Is there a specific area in your life where you have neglected your relationship with God? What steps can you take today to rekindle that connection?


Day 3: God's Faithfulness Despite Our Shortcomings
Despite our failures, God's love remains steadfast. He calls us His servants and assures us we will not be forgotten. He blots out our transgressions and invites us to return to Him, demonstrating His faithfulness and desire for a restored relationship. This abiding love is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people, offering forgiveness and a fresh start. [42:53]

Micah 7:18-19 (ESV): "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot."

Reflection: What past failures or sins are you holding onto that God has already forgiven? How can you embrace His forgiveness and move forward in faith today?


Day 4: God's Unyielding Commitment to Us
God's love is an active commitment to protect and preserve us. He promises His presence through life's trials, assuring us that nothing can separate us from His love. This commitment is rooted in His character and His covenant with us, providing a foundation of security and hope. [22:32]

Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV): "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

Reflection: What is one fear or worry you are currently facing? How can you trust in God's promise to be with you and not forsake you?


Day 5: Our Response to Divine Love
Our response to God's love should be one of devotion, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to walk with Him. We are called to honor Him with our lives, offering sincere worship and living in a way that reflects His love. This response is not just about words but about a lifestyle that embodies the love and grace we have received. [46:00]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: How can you intentionally reflect God's love in your actions and words today? What is one specific way you can show gratitude to God through your daily life?

Quotes



"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 savior I gave Egypt for thy Ransom Ethiopia and siba for thee since thou was precious in my sight thou Hast been honorable and I have loved thee therefore will I give men for thee and people for thy life" [00:00:20]

"but thou Hast not called upon on me oh Jacob but thou Hast been weary of me oh Israel thou Hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings neither hast thou honored me with thy sacrifices I have not caused thee to serve with an offering nor wearied thee with incense thou Hast brought me no sweet cane with money neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices but thou Hast made me to serve with thy sins thou th H has wearied me with thine iniquities" [00:00:57]

"remember these oh Jacob and Israel for thou art my servant I have formed thee Thou Art my servant oh Israel Thou shalt not be forgotten of me I have blotted out as a thick Cloud thy transgressions and as a cloud thy sins return unto me for I have redeemed thee sing oh ye heavens for the Lord hath done it shout ye lower parts of the earth Break Forth into singing ye mountains oh forest and every tree therein for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob and glorified himself in Israel" [00:01:38]

"so this morning if my words should seem to be very Poor and Powerless what fullness there is in these three texts here you have a dainty meal of three courses you ought to be well-nourished this morning for I have set before you in these passages of scripture quite as much as the largest capacity will be able to mark learn and inwardly digest here is good posture for the flock wherein they may not only feed but lie down" [00:02:53]

"the Lord mentions both the natural and the spiritual names of his servants and this he does out of love to them as tender parents will lovingly repeat all their children's names sometimes calling them by one and sometimes by another as different memories arise in their minds so the Lord remembers Jacob the name of his chosen given him at Birth by which he was known as the supplanter and then he repeats that higher name of Israel the prevailing Prince which he won in a great spiritual struggle" [00:05:11]

"the Lord mentions this to show his exceeding love he hath respect unto the work of his own hands he that has made you with so much care will not break you he will not abore that which his infinite compassion has fashioned in his great love he dwells upon his relationship to us as our maker and says I created Thee I formed thee this is as true of our second creation as of the first the Lord flashed into our soul the first Ray of repentance he created in us the first look of Faith" [00:15:34]

"oh the love of God that in the foresight of every grief and every sorrow that can ever befall his children he pledges himself never to forsake them he pledges his word that he will be at their side in every trying hour and this word he pledges to them even though he has felt bound to chasten them he says fear not I am with thee be not dismayed I am thy God he ha said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee come life come death come Temptation come poverty come sickness come assault of Satan come Whatever May from heaven or Earth or Hell" [00:22:59]

"the Lord has done great things for us and heaped honor upon us but how seldom has his name been joyously Upon Our tongue how little have we spoken of him or to him it takes a world of trouble to drive some of God's children to their father they live without him and are tolerably comfortable and even when darkness lowers they are slow to run to him alas they hasten to some human friend instead of returning at once to him who has dealt so bountifully with them" [00:31:39]

"the Lord says I have not caused thee to serve with an offering nor weared thee with incense but thou Hast made me to serve with thy sins thou Hast wearied Me With Thine iniquities the Lord is thoughtful of us but we are not thoughtful towards him he considers our feelings but we treat him with heartless brutishness God has made us honorable but we have not made him honorable he has treated us as dear friends but we have made a servant of him made him to serve with our sins" [00:38:02]

"if the Lord did not love us very much he would not care so much about our love towards himself True Love Alone knows how to burn with jealousy how greatly God must love me since I see that he desires to have my whole heart what condescending tenderness that the Lord Of Glory should complain thou Hast bought me no sweet cane with money it is the plaint of Love remember the Lord does not need our sweet sweet canes nor our money the silver and the gold are his and the cattle Upon A Thousand Hills" [00:40:00]

"notice in the 21st verse of the 44th chapter how the Lord still calls his people by the same name remember these oh Jacob and Israel still are the names of his elect like music in the ears of God one would have feared that he would have dropped the Israel that honorable name which came of prevailing prayer since they had not called upon him why call him a prevailing prince who had grown weary of his God God we should not have marveled if the Lord had only called them by their natural and carnal name of Jacob" [00:42:56]

"see how our text closes with the Lord's own precept to be glad sing oh ye heavens for the Lord hath done it shout ye lower parts of the earth Break Forth into singing ye mountains oh forest and every tree therein for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob and glorified himself in Israel out of all dejection arise out of all sorrow sore aoft there is more cause for gladness than for sorrow what you have done should cause distress of heart but what the Lord has done is cause for Rapture" [00:48:32]

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Transcript
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