Behold the New

Isaiah 42:9

INTRODUCTION: First off Isaiah starts with the word “BEHOLD”. He finished chapter 41:29 with the same word.

God’s Servant Messiah (Isa. 42).

Isaiah 42:1–7 is the first of four “Servant Songs” in Isaiah, referring to God’s Servant, the Messiah.

1. The others are 49:1–6; 50:1–11; and 52:13–53:12.

2. Contrast “Behold, they [the idols] are all vanity” (41:29) with “Behold My Servant” (42:1).

3. Matthew 12:14–21 applies these words to the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ.

4. It is through the ministry of the Servant that God will accomplish His great plan of salvation for this world.

a. God chose Him, God upheld Him, and God enabled Him to succeed in His mission.

5. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, one day there will be a glorious kingdom; and God will “bring justice to the nations” (Isa. 42:1, NIV).

Isa 42:1

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

ESV

6. Jesus Christ is “the light of the world” (John 8:12), and that includes the Gentiles (Isa. 42:6; Acts 13:47–48; Luke 1:79).

John 8:12

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

NIV

Isa 42:6

6 "I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,

NIV

Acts 13:47-48

47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

NIV

Luke 1:79

79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

NIV

7. God calls His people to pay attention.

a. Isaiah 42 is spoken to people living between promise and fulfillment.

b. The word “Behold” signals that God is about to do something worth noticing

God invites us to see life through what He declares, not just what we see.

N— Not the Former Things

E— Emerging by God’s Declaration

W— Watch Before It Springs Forth

Point I. N — Not the Former Things

“The former things have come to pass”

Illustration: Imagine trying to drive while staring only in the rearview mirror. You might admire where you’ve been—or replay the accident behind you—but you cannot move safely forward that way. The mirror is useful, but it was never meant to be your main view. God allows us to remember the past, but He does not want us to live there.

1. God closes chapters before He opens new ones.

Imagine reading a book where the pages never turn. You might reread the same chapter again and again—familiar, comfortable, even meaningful—but the story would never move forward. The author has written more, but you’ll never experience it unless the page is turned. In our lives, God is both the Author and the Editor. Sometimes He closes a chapter—not because the story is over, but because the next chapter cannot begin until the previous one ends. The turning of the page can feel unsettling. We liked the old chapter. We knew the characters. We understood the plot. But the Author knows where the story is going. When God closes a chapter, it’s not a loss—it’s progress. The ending makes room for what He has already written next.

2. Israel’s past victories and failures were real—but they were finished.

Based on scripture, Israel experienced both remarkable victories and significant failures throughout its history. Lets look at some of these, here’s an overview:

Major Victories

1. Conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6)

o After crossing the Jordan, Israel captured Jericho through divine intervention. The walls fell after seven days of marching and blowing trumpets, demonstrating obedience and faith.

2. Defeat of the Canaanite Kings (Joshua 10–11)

o Under Joshua’s leadership, Israel defeated multiple kings and secured much of the Promised Land, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham.

3. Victory over Midian (Numbers 31)

o Israel overcame the Midianites after their seduction led to idolatry, showing God’s judgment and restoration.

4. David’s Military Triumphs (2 Samuel 8)

o King David expanded Israel’s territory, defeating Philistines, Moabites, and others, establishing Israel as a dominant regional power.

Major Failures

1. Golden Calf Incident (Exodus 32)

o Shortly after receiving the Law, Israel fell into idolatry, worshiping a golden calf. This led to severe judgment and delayed blessings.

2. Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 13–14)

o When the spies reported giants in Canaan, Israel doubted God and refused to enter the land, resulting in 40 years of wandering.

3. Cycles of Apostasy in Judges

o Israel repeatedly turned to idols, suffered oppression, and cried out for deliverance. This cycle highlights spiritual instability.

4. Division of the Kingdom (1 Kings 12)

o After Solomon’s reign, pride and disobedience led to the split into Northern (Israel) and Southern (Judah) kingdoms, weakening the nation.

5. Exile to Assyria and Babylon (2 Kings 17; 25)

o Persistent idolatry and injustice caused God to allow foreign powers to conquer and exile Israel and Judah.

3. Faith grows when we stop living off yesterday’s experiences, and start reaping the benefits of our promises.

Application: What former season, sin, success, or sorrow is God asking you to release?

Point II. E — Emerging by God’s Declaration

“and new things I now declar”

ESV

Illustration: Before a building ever rises, an architect first draws the plans. Long before concrete is poured or walls are framed, the future structure already exists on paper. In the same way, God declares what He will do before we ever see it take shape. His promises are the blueprint of what is coming.

1. God’s Word always comes before God’s work.

Throughout the Bible, God speaks promises and prophecies before they manifest:

i. Abraham’s descendants were promised before Isaac was born (Genesis 15).

ii. Messiah was foretold centuries before Jesus came (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2).

iii. Israel’s restoration was predicted before the exile (Jeremiah 29:10).

2. These declarations often seem impossible at the time, but they reveal God’s plan and invite faith.

3. God speaks the future before it becomes visible.

a. Scripture teaches that God knows the end from the beginning.

Isaiah 46:10says: “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done…”

b. This means God is not bound by time—He sees past, present, and future simultaneously.

4. We walk by faith, not by sight (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:7).

2 Cor 5:7

(7 We live by faith, not by sight. NIV)

Application: Are you listening more to circumstances—or to God’s promises?

Point III. W — Watch Before It Springs Forth

“Before they spring forth I tell you of them”

1. Waiting is not inactivity—it is trust.

2. God reveals early so His people won’t lose hope.

3. What God starts in promise, He finishes in power.

Illustration: A farmer who plants seed does not dig it up every day to check on it. He waits, watches the field, and trusts the process he cannot see underground. God’s new work often begins beneath the surface, where faith—not sight—must do the watching.

Application: How can you wait expectantly instead of anxiously?

1. God prepares His people before He reveals His work.

a. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as: “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

This means:

· Substance: Faith gives reality to what we hope for—it’s like holding the title deed to something promised.

· Evidence: Faith is the proof of unseen realities; it trusts God’s word even when circumstances don’t show it yet.

CONCLUSION

1. The past is settled.

2. The promise is spoken.

3. The future is secure.

How can one follow Gods will?

By entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and worshiping Him in spirit and in truth enables you to walk a new path for the rest of your life. With Christ as your Savior and Friend, you can move forward without fear—whether it relates to your past, your present, or your future.

1. When you truly submit and worship Christ and allow Him to lovingly lead your life, you can reach your highest potential on the road ahead.

a. With Him walking beside you, you can avoid the failures that come from trying to travel alone.

The message of the gospel is simple yet powerful: God loves you.

2. He loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for your sins and to rise again so that you might have eternal life.

a. The Bible says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be   saved”(Romans 10:13).

3. Today, you can experience forgiveness, peace, and a brand-new life.

a. Jesus Christ stands ready to receive you—just as you are. You don’t have to clean yourself up first. You don’t have to fix everything on your own.

b. Come to Him in faith, believing that He died for you and rose again, and He will save you.

4. If God is speaking to your heart right now, don’t put it off.

a. Step out in faith.

b. Turn from your sins and turn to Jesus. Ask Him to be your Lord and Savior.

5. If you’re ready to take that step, you might pray something like this:

“Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again. Today I trust You as my Savior and surrender my life to You as Lord. Thank You for saving me. Help me follow You from this day forward. Amen.”

6. If you prayed that prayer sincerely, based on the promises of God’s Word, you are now a child of God.

a. We invite you to come forward, make your decision public, and allow us to rejoice with you, pray for you, and help you begin your new walk with Christ.

7. Maybe you’re already a believer, but you know in your heart that you haven’t been walking as closely with the Lord as you once did.

a. Perhaps you’ve grown distant, become distracted, or allowed sin, discouragement, or the pressures of life to pull you away from the fellowship you once enjoyed with God.

b. The good news is that your Heavenly Father is not angry or far away.

c. He is lovingly calling you back to Himself.

The Bible says, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord” (Malachi 3:7).

d. He is ready to restore your joy, renew your strength, and set your feet back on the path He has for you.

8. Rededication doesn’t mean you’re getting “saved again.” It simply means you’re choosing to come home—choosing to surrender afresh, to lay aside whatever has hindered you, and to follow Jesus with renewed devotion.

a. If God is speaking to your heart today, I invite you to respond.

b. Come and say,

“Lord, I’m coming back. I give myself to You again. Take my life and use it for Your glory.”

c. You might pray something like this:

“Lord Jesus, I belong to You, but I’ve drifted from You. Today I confess my sin and my coldness of heart. I return to You fully. Restore my joy, renew my walk, and help me live faithfully for You from this day forward. Amen.”

4. If you’re ready to rededicate your life, step out and come.

a. I would love to pray with you, encourage you, and walk beside you as you renew your commitment to Christ.

b. He stands ready to restore, strengthen, and lead you.

Will you come?

Today is the day of salvation. Won’t you come?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, help us release the former things, trust what You have declared, and wait with faith for what You will bring to life. Amen.