Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing. – Isaiah 43:18-19
Some have called the Old Testament book of Isaiah the fifth Gospel. Indeed, through much of it, God is revealing the coming Messiah, the relationship He established with humankind in the Garden being restored, and how He is working all things together for good. Before today’s verse, in chapter 43 Isaiah recounts ways in which God had cared for His people, Israel, His promises, protection, and provision. But now the people were captive in Babylon, living in a set of difficult circumstances. They looked back on their homeland with longing.
To encourage the people, God said, “I am doing a new thing.” He would still be their God. He would still be worthy of their praise. He would ultimately deliver them, just as He had their ancestors.
There may be times you look backward, possibly longing for the America you grew up in. But was it really all that good? There were world wars, depressions, and times of great immorality as the nation was distancing itself from God. However, the Lord is still at work today, and He wants you to live this day. Life is short, like a vapor. Notice each day’s blessings and express gratitude for them, taking nothing for granted. Live for the Lord, taking every opportunity to live in peace and love so that God will be glorified.
Praise God for the new things He is doing in the United States, and be thankful. As the worship chorus says, “He never stops, He never stops working.” Pray for your fellow believers to honor God with their lives, including those who are His faithful servants in Congress.
Today’s Verse: Isaiah 43:18-19
“Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
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: Isaiah 43:15-21
15 I am the Lord, your Holy One,
the Creator of Israel, your King.”
16 Thus says the Lord,
who makes a way in the sea,
a path in the mighty waters,
17 who brings forth chariot and horse,
army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,
they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
18 “Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
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.
20 The wild beasts will honor me,
the jackals and the ostriches,
for I give water in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,
21 the people whom I formed for myself
that they might declare my praise.
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.
