Word for Word: The Bible

I Have Called You by Name: Passing Through the Waters and a King Named Cyrus | Isaiah 43–45

Episode Summary

In today's episode of Word for Word: The Bible, we explore Isaiah 43–45. God gives one of Scripture's most personal reassurances: He has called His people by name and claimed them as His own, promising His presence through the deepest waters and fires even as exile looms. Then the lens widens dramatically as Isaiah names Cyrus—a Persian king not yet born—as the instrument God will use for deliverance. Join Kevin Mooneyhan as we discover a God who knows us individually and works His purposes even through unexpected people and places.

Episode Notes

Episode Overview

Does God really know me personally, and is He in control of history? In this episode we walk through Isaiah 43 through 45. God offers one of Scripture's most intimate promises: you are called by name and claimed as His own, protected through the deepest waters and fires, never forgotten even in exile.

The reading then widens the lens dramatically, as Isaiah names Cyrus—a Persian king not yet born—as the instrument God will use to set His people free. That God works even through a pagan ruler stretches our sense of His providence: His purposes are not limited to the righteous or the familiar, and we are invited to recognize His hand at work in unexpected people and places.

Key Themes

• Called by name and claimed by God

• God's presence through waters and fire

• Individual identity matters to God

• Cyrus named before his birth

• God's providence through unexpected people

In This Episode You'll Discover

• What it means to be called by name

• Why God's people are never forgotten

• How God protects through deep trials

• Why God would use a pagan king

• The major lesson: God knows us personally and rules over history

Today's Scripture:

Isaiah 43–45

About the Podcast

Word for Word: The Bible is a chronological Bible study podcast hosted by Kevin Mooneyhan that takes listeners through the entire Bible one chapter at a time. Each episode combines Scripture reading, historical context, theological insight, and practical application to help listeners understand God's Word and grow in their faith.