Reading: Isaiah 43-46
Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow. Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert (Is. 43:16-19).
The Word of God is filled with the wonders He has done in times past. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (Gen. 1:1). We are given ample opportunities to marvel at His power and greatness, beginning with the majesty of creation. From the destruction of nearly all of creation (6:9- 9:17) to the quiet act of making fertile a barren womb (18:10), we have been privileged to see God’s plan at work. We have witnessed the plagues of Egypt (Ex. 7:14-11:10) and the divine parting of the Red Sea (14:15-29). We have watched as a young shepherd boy took down a mighty giant (I Sam. 17:1-50), and later as God installed that self-same shepherd boy on the throne of Israel, promising that his line would reign in perpetuity (II Sam. 7:12-16).
God has given us these detailed accounts so that we might remember all He has done to prepare us to receive Him, but it is not His intention that we dwell on what is past. Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? Our God is a living God; He is here with us now, in the present, and He is preparing the way for us in the future. The past's miracles are faded memories, but if we open our eyes, hearts, and minds to His presence, we will be able to fully experience the miracles of today.
God is at work in our world today. He is not still, nor is He hidden. Yet just as in Biblical times, He is visible only to those who choose to see him. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them (II Cor. 4:3-4). There are many that claim to believe in God that also claim the time of miracles is ended. They have closed their hearts to the present and worship only based on ideals from times past. It is to these people that God is speaking here. Wake up! Look around! Stretch out your senses and discover the power of the Lord! God is here, God is now, and His best work is yet to come!
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless (II Pet. 3:12-14).
Thought for Today: If our attention is focused on the world's vices, then it is impossible for us to perceive God.
Christ Revealed: As the Redeemer (Is. 43:1; 44:22-24). Through His death on the cross, Christ has redeemed (bought back) all who trust Him as their Savior (I Cor. 6:20; Gal. 4:4-5; Titus 2:13-14; I Pet. 1:18-19).
Word Studies:43:2 fire = oppression; kindle upon = consume; 43:13 let it = prevent it from happening; 44:9 delectable = cherished; 45:1 loose the loins of = weaken; two leaved gates = double gates; 46:12 stout-hearted = stubborn-minded.
Pray for Staff Gilbert Palafox• Government Officials: Sen. Roger Marshall (KS) • Country: Virgin Islands, U.S. (104,170) Caribbean • Major Languages: English, Spanish (Creole) • Religious Freedom • 59% Protestant; 34% Roman Catholic; 7% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Thank the Lord for hearing your prayers (Ps. 28:6-7).
Optional Reading: James 4