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Isaiah 43:19 - A New Thing.Isaiah 43:19 (NIV) See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.INTRODUCTION This section pictures a new exodus like the one Israel's ancestors had experienced when they fled from Egypt. The Israelites would again cry to God for deliverance, and he would hear and deliver them. A new exodus would take place through a new wilderness. The past miracles were nothing compared to what God would do for his people in the future. What was this new thing God would be doing? Isaiah delivered a message of new life and new hope for Israel. This promise of God would be fulfilled in the coming of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. (See 44:3 for more on God's Spirit.) We can experience new life in him by following his new path and drinking his refreshing new water (see John 4:10-15). [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL When I was at my orthopedist's office for my annual visit, the doctor looked at my worn sneakers. "You need something more supportive. It's time for an upgrade." Give up my favorite sneakers? I had been wearing the same style for more years than I could count, but I listened as she advised me what to buy for optimal joint cushioning. Stepping into the shoe store days later, I halfheartedly tried on several of the recommended pairs. Amazingly, walking around the small shop, I immediately felt less knee pain. Though these sneakers were more of an investment than my usual kicks, I happily purchased them. Marveling about the difference a new shoe made, I drove home. What else had I been hanging on to for more years than I could count? Lately, I felt like my time with Jesus was uninspired and stale, with the same prayers for the same people, over and over. Like my joints, my life was different when I was younger. Shouldn't my prayer habits be different too? Pushing past the comfortable bookmarks in my Bible, I ordered a few new devotionals to add to my rotation. I even found myself unexpectedly talking to Jesus more throughout my day, instead of only reciting rote prayers and pleas in the morning. An upgrade indeed! Gloria Joyce Faith Step: Examine your time with Jesus. Do you need an upgrade? [Mornings With Jesus 2025 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Isaiah 43:19 - A New Thing. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230813-0906.html Isaiah 43:18, 19 - A New Thing. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220703-0826.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210306-1000.html Isaiah 43:18, 19 - Serendipity and Expecting the Unexpected. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200215-1231.html Isaiah 43:18, 19 - A Fresh Beginning. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20171227-0950.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20170101-1005.html Isaiah 43:18 - The Past Should Not Be Your Focus. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2005/20050413-1006.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |