Verse of the Day for Sunday, March 24, 2024

 

Verse of the Day
Sunday, March 24, 2024

Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, 18 Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. 19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:16, 18-19, found in the Old Testament of the Bible, is a passage from the book of Isaiah, a major prophetic work. These verses are part of a larger section where God speaks through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel. This period in Israel's history is marked by turmoil and despair, as they faced exile and oppression. The book of Isaiah is known for its rich imagery and profound messages of hope and redemption, often seen as prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and the restoration of Israel.

In verse 16, there is a clear reference to the historical event of the Exodus, where God parted the Red Sea to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to make a way where there seems to be none, showcasing His power over nature and circumstances.

Verses 18 and 19, however, shift the focus from past miracles to future hope. The admonition to "not remember the former things" is not a call to forget God's past deeds, but rather an encouragement to not be bound by past experiences or limitations when envisioning what God can do. It implies a need for a fresh perspective and faith in God's continual work.

Verse 19 speaks of God doing a "new thing" which is already beginning to happen. This prophecy is both comforting and challenging. It's comforting in its assurance of God's ongoing involvement and power to transform circumstances, symbolized by making "a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert" - bringing life and paths to places typically barren and impassable. Yet, it's also challenging as it asks for faith and perception to discern and embrace the new works of God, which may be unexpected or different from past interventions.

In a broader theological context, these verses are often interpreted as pointing towards the coming of Jesus Christ and the new covenant, representing a significant shift from the old ways of the law to the new path of grace and redemption. For contemporary readers, these verses inspire hope and faith in God's ongoing creative work in their lives, encouraging them to look forward with expectation to God's unfolding plans.

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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