Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? – Isaiah 43:19
Chuck Swindoll once wrote, “Because of its scope, Isaiah contains one of the clearest expressions of the gospel in all the Old Testament.” The prophet Isaiah foretells Christ’s birth and death and the purpose for His coming—to save people from their sin. Quotes from Isaiah can be found throughout the New Testament.
In the context of today’s verse, God declares to Israel how much He loves them and desires to save them, how He blots out transgressions. This is what He did for Jews and Gentiles alike by sending Jesus. He wiped out sin with His blood for those who believe. 1 John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” The apostle Paul describes the redeemed life this way, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
What new thing is God doing on the earth today? Each day, it’s becoming clearer that end-time prophecies are being fulfilled. Jesus’ return appears imminent. Regardless of whether His return is tomorrow or a hundred years from now, God desires to do a new work in each heart. 2 Peter 3:9 says that God is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” Pray for religious freedom to remain in America, the gospel to be preached, and that God would bring about a great revival in these last days. Be thankful for the new work He is doing in you and throughout the country and the world.
Today’s Verse: Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Acts 8:26-40
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”
34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
