"a New Thing: The Promise Of Renewal"

Beloved in Christ, grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, we turn to a powerful passage from the book of Isaiah, a text that speaks profoundly to our hearts in times of transition and uncertainty. Isaiah 43:16-21 invites us into a divine promise—a promise of renewal, restoration, and the emergence of a “new thing.”

Let us listen to the Word of God.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21 (NIV)]

This is what the Lord says—

he who made a way through the sea,

a path through the mighty waters,

who drew out the chariots and horses,

the army and reinforcements together,

and they lay there, never to rise again,

extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

‘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.’”*

1. Remembering the Exodus: A Foundation of Hope

The passage begins with a striking reminder of God’s power and faithfulness. God speaks of making a way through the sea, recalling the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This historical act of salvation serves as a foundation for our hope.

In our own lives, there are moments we can look back on where God has made a way for us—times of healing, restoration, and redemption. These memories encourage us in our faith journey. But as we are reminded here, they are not to be our focus.

2. Forgetting the Former Things: A Call to Release

God’s command is clear: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” This can be a challenging directive. We often find ourselves clinging to past grievances, failures, or even successes. However, this phrase is not merely about letting go; it is an invitation to release so we can receive.

Letting go of the past is an act of faith. It opens our hearts to new possibilities. What are the burdens you carry? What past experiences hold you back? In this moment, we are invited to release those chains and trust that God has something new and transformative ready for us.

3. The God of New Beginnings: Embracing the New Thing

God proclaims, “See, I am doing a new thing!” This declaration is filled with hope and promise. A new beginning comes with anticipation and excitement. As we look forward, we must be willing to perceive the divine movements around us.

God is making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. This imagery speaks to renewal and sustenance, the resurrection of hope in barren places. God is at work in our lives, often in ways we cannot immediately perceive. Are we attuned to His voice and the new things He is doing among us?

4. The Purpose of God’s Action: Proclaiming His Praise

Finally, we hear the purpose behind God’s renewed grace: “to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.”

Friends, we are not merely recipients of God’s new work; we are called to be participants in it. Just as streams nourish the wasteland, our transformed lives are to flow forth, declaring the glory of the One who renews us. How do we proclaim His praise? How do we become vessels of His love and grace in the world?

As we stand on the threshold of new beginnings, let us be courageous and discerning. We serve a God who is perpetually at work creating, restoring, and refreshing. As we approach this new season in our lives, may we seek to perceive the wondrous ways God is moving among us.

Today, as we leave this place, let us commit to embracing the new thing God is doing. Let us release what holds us back and open our hearts to receive His grace. May our lives be a testimony of His renewal, bringing forth streams of hope, love, and praise.

Prayer

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise of renewal and new beginnings. Help us to forget the former things that weigh us down, and grant us eyes to see the new things You are doing in our midst. May we be instruments of Your grace and love, proclaiming Your praise in all that we do. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.