A New Beginning: Embracing Redemption Series

A New Beginning: Embracing Redemption

Isaiah 43

Introduction:

Today, we gather to reflect on the theme of redemption, particularly through the lens of Isaiah 43:18-24, which speaks of God's promise to His people. The Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt, a powerful act of liberation and mercy. This act not only signifies physical deliverance but also a deeper spiritual transformation, inviting us to understand our own journey of redemption.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43:18-24 (NIV):

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. Yet you have not called on me, Jacob; you have not wearied yourselves for me, Israel. You have not brought any sheep for burnt offerings nor honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with grain offerings nor wearied you with demands for incense. You have not brought any fragrant calamus for me, or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offenses.”

Main Points:

1. A Call to Forget the Past:

In verse 18, God calls us to forget the former things. This is a profound reminder that our past does not define us. Just as the Israelites were delivered from slavery, we too are invited to leave behind our burdens and sins. Psalm 103:12 tells us, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” We must recognize that God is always doing a new thing in our lives, and we must be open to seeing it.

2. God's Provision in the Wilderness:

The imagery of making a way in the wilderness and providing streams in the wasteland speaks to the transformative power of God. In our own lives, we may find ourselves in spiritual deserts, feeling lost or abandoned. Yet, God promises to provide for us. Psalm 46:4 reminds us, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling place of the Most High.” We must seek Him actively, trusting that He will quench our thirst and guide us through our struggles.

John 7:37-38 (NIV)

.....'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.'"

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. .......

Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble..."

3. The Burden of Our Sins:

In verses 22-24, God mourns that His people have not sought Him and have instead burdened Him with their sins. This is a call to humility and repentance. Instead of offering Him our praises, we often come to God with a heavy heart full of regrets and offenses. Psalm 51:17 states, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” We are reminded to approach God with a heart full of praise rather than one weighed down by guilt.

4. Mercy Through Jesus Christ:

As we reflect on our redemption, we must remember the ultimate act of mercy through Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we are told, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This new creation is an invitation to live in the freedom that Christ offers. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes, but by the grace and mercy extended to us through His sacrifice.

Conclusion:

Today, let us embrace the new beginning God offers. Let us not burden Him with our sins but turn to Him in worship and praise. As we celebrate our redemption, may we reflect on the mercy of God in Jesus Christ, who transforms us and makes all things new. Let us go forth, proclaiming His praises as the redeemed people He has called us to be. Amen.

John 7:37-38 (NKJV) Jesus said; "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”