Daily Devotions
“See, I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:19
Israel lived in the past. Israel developed elaborate laws and practiced formalized religion. Her corporate life resembled a desert wasteland. Disobedient and rebellious, she faced destruction.
Today’s church sometimes lives on tradition in the desert of disobedience and rebellion. We often bring God the leftovers and weary Him with our offenses.
Isaiah electrifies the discouraged nation by bringing the Word of the Lord: “See, I am doing a new thing!” He refers to God’s new covenant of grace initiated by the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. God will make a new way in the desert, where streams of water will flow to quench the thirst of His chosen people. Jesus by His death on the cross would blot out the transgressions of the world.
That new thing continues to bring new life today. Our society falls over itself for the latest fad and the newest discoveries. These fads quickly fade. But in a modern desert of selfishness, materialism, and rebellion against God, He continues to pour forth the streams of life to quench our thirst. Baptized, we drink the clear, cold water of God’s Word and sacraments. Refreshed, we participate in God’s new thing which is drawing people to Himself from every nation, tribe, and clan. We witness God at work in our own lives and share His goodness with those around us. “See, I am doing a new thing.”
PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for sending Christ as my Savior. Amen.
(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988 CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit www.cph.org.