Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
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. Isaiah 43:18,19
As we approach Easter and are in the midst of Holy Week, the urgent question for me this time each year with this ministry is: How do I again point people to Jesus and the Gospel? It’s that simple but each year I wrestle with making it clear and plain…that I don’t miss it and that my audience (email, online, and beyond) does not miss it either. I know it’s not up to me. The Holy Spirit does the work through any of this. But I want to be a faithful steward and vessel of the pen (or keyboard) that He gives me. I take it as a humble privilege to share these messages each month with you.
I was led to a passage in Isaiah that is the backdrop for the blog today. At face value, it may not seem like the first passage we’d go to in terms of talking about the cross, the resurrection, God’s redemptive plan, and so on. But as I meditated on this verse I saw that it was all clearly there. The context surrounding this verse is all intentional towards the cross as well. It reminded me that throughout Scripture, God is pointing to and from the cross. All of the Old Testament speaks towards it. Everything from Acts to Revelation flows from it.
Today I don’t have a super long setup. But having your Bible open to Isaiah 43 might be the most helpful thing you can do as you walk through this with me. We are talking about our Savior. We are talking about Jesus. We are considering why He came and the implications that stare us in the face as we consider this truth. Jesus came to bring life. He came to save souls. The Easter story is not just good at Easter. It’s always good. And it always needs to be told. Let’s dive in and see how Isaiah brings this to life in just a few short verses.
1. Redemption for Israel was more than just coming back home
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:3
In the midst of this passage, we see that Isaiah (who is a prophet), is prophesying towards a day in which Israel will be ransomed. The preceding chapters (40-42) speak much of the might of the Lord who leads His people back from captivity and out of bondage; out of exile. The Servant (Isaiah 42:1) will be filled with God’s Spirit and will bring forth justice to the nations. Former things are going to pass away. Life will no longer be the same. There is an immediacy to the message and also a foretelling that I believe is even unfulfilled still in part today. Because the end of all things is not yet at hand.
For Israel, this news had to have been joyous and up-lifting. Being in bondage and living in Babylon, there was a constant reminder of “We are not home yet.” The foreshadow heavy in Isaiah’s words was not just a release from physical captivity but also spiritual. Israel would see within the next few years all of these words come to pass. This Servant (Jesus) would come and as we read further into Isaiah, this was a “man of sorrows…acquainted with grief…pierced for our transgressions…crushed for our iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:3,5) Yes, redemption was coming but it was even greater than what Israel was expecting.
2. The cross stands as God’s call to trust Him
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19
As we connect these verses directly to the cross, we see that God was preparing Israel and us for a new work. The Old Covenant was being replaced by the New. Jesus was coming not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. Isaiah’s words were preparing us for this transition: I am doing a new thing. God was laying the seeds for what was going to take place and yet many still missed it. Having the benefit of being on this side of the cross, many today still miss it. God came into this world and everything became fundamentally different. The promise was fulfilled. Jesus made a way.
As I studied all of this, I came to a point where I believed God was whispering, “Do you trust Me?” I’ve been contemplating the cross once again. I’ve been thinking about the resurrection and the reality of it all. I’ve been trying to put my mind on heavenly things, not things of this world. But in all of this, I believe God was trying to speak to my heart (which still can be so dull at times!). If this “new thing” has happened, why do I doubt? Why do I remain timid and withdrawn in my approach to life? He has made a way and is making a way to pass through the wilderness. He’s providing streams as we go through the desert. He is literally taking care of everything. Do I trust Him? Do we trust Him?
3. Recommit this Easter to the “new thing” God wants to do in your life
Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by My name, who I created for My glory, who I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:6,7
There is a purpose in what God is doing through this new thing. Ultimately, it is to bring glory to the Father and serve His will. Even in going to the cross, Jesus knew this was His mission: “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son that the Son may glorify You…and this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:1,3) His mission is ours as well. Easter is as good a time as any to say, “Lord, what is it You want to do through my life? Help me to trust You and step forward in faith.”
Perhaps as you read these verses, you are sensing the need to again “remember not the former things.” I would urge you to do exactly that as you listen in and hear His voice. The enemy wants to bring up the past. Wants to lay guilt and shame upon your mind and keep you locked up in fear. Whenever you sense that attack coming, remind yourself of this truth: “Fear not, I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1 God has the final say over your life. You stand redeemed and restored if you have called upon the name of Christ. Don’t go back to an old life; keep pressing into the new.
God is gathering His people. Readying them. Preparing them for a move. I feel it and sense it. More than just a feeling, I read it in His word. I study it and believe that He is not done yet. Not done in your family. Not done in your marriage. Not done working through you as you labor, knowing your true purpose in life is to honor Him and bring Him glory. He is still making paths in the desert. He’s still providing streams of water to refresh and bring life as we need. He promises whatever we face…the waters, the rivers, the fires, that we will not be consumed (Isaiah 43:2). This whole chapter is a great read for anyone struggling with doubt. It will reaffirm your commitment and set your life back on the right course!
Guys I hope you have a blessed Easter and celebration of all that Jesus has done. As you gather this year and consider these things, take some time to focus on what He is calling you to specifically. This new thing doesn’t just end with the cross in your life. Really that’s the start and everyday after is us simply saying, “God it’s a new day. Use me for Your glory.” Simple prayer, simple truth. But if we understand this, the world will be turned upside down. There is no stopping His plans.
I love you guys and I love walking this journey with you. Until next time, God bless!
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Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17
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