Isaiah 43:1-28 CEV

[1] Descendants of Jacob, I, the LORD, created you and formed your nation. Israel, don't be afraid. I have rescued you. I have called you by name; now you belong to me. [2] When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won't drown. When you walk through fire, you won't be burned or scorched by the flames. [3] I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, the God who saves you. I gave up Egypt, Ethiopia, and the region of Seba in exchange for you. [4] To me, you are very dear, and I love you. That's why I gave up nations and people to rescue you. [5] Don't be afraid! I am with you. From both east and west I will bring you together. [6] I will say to the north and to the south, "Free my sons and daughters! Let them return from distant lands. [7] They are my people- I created each of them to bring honor to me." [8] The LORD said: Bring my people together. They have eyes and ears, but they can't see or hear. [9] Tell everyone of every nation to gather around. None of them can honestly say, "We told you so!" If someone heard them say this, then tell us about it now. [10] My people, you are my witnesses and my chosen servant. I want you to know me, to trust me, and understand that I alone am God. I have always been God; there can be no others. [11] I alone am the LORD; only I can rescue you. [12] I promised to save you, and I kept my promise. You are my witnesses that no other god did this. I, the LORD, have spoken. [13] I am God now and forever. No one can snatch you from me or stand in my way. [14] I, the LORD, will rescue you! I am Israel's holy God, and this is my promise: For your sake, I will send an army against Babylon to drag its people away, crying as they go. [15] I am the LORD, your holy God, Israel's Creator and King. [16] I am the one who cut a path through the mighty ocean. [17] I sent an army to chase you with chariots and horses; now they lie dead, unable to move. They are like an oil lamp with the flame snuffed out. [18] The LORD said: Forget what happened long ago! Don't think about the past. [19] I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands. [20] Every wild animal honors me, even jackals and owls. I provide water in deserts- streams in thirsty lands for my chosen people. [21] I made them my own nation, so they would praise me. [22] I, the LORD, said to Israel: You have become weary, but not from worshiping me. [23] You have not honored me by sacrificing sheep or other animals. And I have not burdened you with demands for sacrifices or sweet-smelling incense. [24] You have not brought delicious spices for me or given me the best part of your sacrificed animals. Instead, you burden me down with your terrible sins. [25] But I wipe away your sins because of who I am. And so, I will forget the wrongs you have done. [26] Meet me in court! State your case and prove that you are right. [27] Your earliest ancestor and all of your leaders rebelled against me. [28] That's why I don't allow your priests to serve me; I let Israel be destroyed and your people disgraced.