Scripture
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 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.
Reflection
Chapter 43 is written to the Israelites who currently find themselves in captivity in Babylon, but the author writes to encourage them and to let them know God has not forgotten about them.
Verse 18 is a reference to verses 16 and 17 where God freed the Israelites from Pharaoh’s oppression. Often for the encouragement of our faith and hope we need to be reminded of events in the past that speaks of God’s faithfulness, so that it can boost our current faith and hope. But for the author to state in verse 18 to forget about the former things, is not to discredit the principle in verses 16 and 17, but to reassure the audience, God’s mercies are new every day. They don’t have to hold onto ‘old’ mercies that belong to previous generations, similar to hand-me-downs; but God has fresh and new mercies for them. He is doing a new thing in their lives.
In a similar way, be reminded of past events in your life to boost your faith, but don’t cling to them. God has new mercies for you each day. Open up your heart and see what new things He has in store for you (Con).
Thoughts for the day
- How do you boost your faith and hope?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. Be still and allow the presence of Jesus to bring you rest right now.
