Isaiah 12:2–3: “‘Behold, God is my salvation, / I will trust and not be afraid; / “For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; / He also has become my salvation.”‘ / Therefore with joy you will draw water / From the wells of salvation.”

August 6th, 2024 by Pastor Ed in devotional

There is great truth in these words from Isaiah: “God is my salvation.” Around 400 AD, Jerome, the theologian and historian, chose to translate these words: “God is my Jesus” (El Yeshua-ti). This was his way of making sure that the identity of the Savior of the world was not missed in translation. True, enduring salvation can only be found in Jesus the Messiah, God the Son. And because He is our salvation, we know that we can trust Him and “not be afraid.”

Some years ago, a group of botanists from a Swiss pharmaceutical company were exploring a remote region of the Andes, searching for plants that could potentially supply new medicines. Through binoculars they spotted a rare flowering plant lying deep in a ravine with cliffs on both sides. To get the plant, someone would have to be lowered over the cliff on a rope, where they would carefully dig out the plant, and then be pulled back up the cliff face to safety. They tried lowering the smallest botanist, but he was too heavy. A curious young boy of about 12 was watching nearby. The scientists approached him and told him they would pay him well if he would agree to retrieve the flower below. The boy took one long look down the steep, dizzying depth and said, “I’ll be back in a minute.” He returned, followed by a gray-haired man. Approaching the botanists, he said, “I’ll go over that cliff and get your flower, if this man holds the rope. He’s my dad.” In whom do you put your trust? We only have one Heavenly Father who is both willing and able to save our souls.

“LORD, we gratefully acknowledge that You and You alone are the source of salvation. We look to You who has already died for the sins of all.”