In the sermon text, Yahweh addresses His people with three names: Israel, Jacob, and seed of Abraham. Israel is a corporate and political name; as Israel, the people are Yahweh’s servant with a task. The name Jacob is more personal, and as Jacob the people has been chosen.

But Yahweh reaches back beyond Jacob to Abraham, Yahweh’s beloved, His “friend.” Yahweh doesn’t cling to His bride because of what He can get from her. God doesn’t choose Israel to use Israel. He sticks faithfully with her because He loves her.

What is true of Israel is true of us, true of you. You are God’s chosen servants; you’ve got work to do. But underlying your vocation to serve is the more fundamental truth that you are the seed of Abraham, precious and beloved of God.

God said it long ago, and He says it again to you: “Do not fear, Israel, for I am with you.” “Do not fear, Jacob; I will help you.” The Redeemer, the Holy One, says “Do not fear, you seed of Abraham; for I love you.”