sf803 - GOD_S NEW THING (Isaiah 43 19)
Isaiah 43:19 (stand)
Introduction
Recently, within walking distance of our church a 26-year-old mother took her own life. Here was a young lady who decided that life was not worth living. She found “doing her own thing” utterly dissatisfying and ultimately destroying.
By way of contrast, life is worth living for those who delight in the Lord—for He promises to satisfy the desire of every heart. He transforms despondency into expectancy. He says, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth.”
What a text for a new year! In its sweep it offers:
1A. The Promise of God’s New Thing (43:18-19)
There is a divine seed of hope in these words, for God is telling us that He is about to do a new thing.
Indeed, He states His intention in terms of a promise.
1B. God Promises to Transcend the Things that are Past (18, 3)
God reminds them of His work in the past…
God’s work of liberation
Ø He had brought them out of Egypt
God’s work of preservation
Ø He had keep them in the desert
God’s work of occupation
Ø He had given them a land that was not their own.
Indeed God had done many mighty works but now he says do not dwell on the past.
2B. God Promises to Transform the Things that are Present
Their present dilemma (14-17)
Ø These verses go beyond the deliverance from Egypt to the deliverance from Babylon.
Ø How sad it is to recognize that a nation that had proven God in liberation, preservation and occupation should now find themselves captives once again in Babylon.
Ø Because of their backsliding and rebellion God had to send them in judgment into Babylon.
Ø But in answer to the prayers of a faithful remnant a great deliverance was effected.
God’s promised deliverance (19-20)
Ø God promises a life of spontaneity (19a)
Ø God promises a life of creativity (19b “roads”)
Ø God promises a life of productivity (19c-20a)
“rivers…desert.”
2A. The Purpose of God’s New Thing (43:19-21)
In this prophetic language we have devotional truth. When God redeems us it is for a purpose, and that purpose becomes the supreme goal of our lives.
1B. God’s Purpose is to Satisfy His Own People (20b)
“drink…chosen.”
God’s greatest delight is to satisfy His people.
(Matthew 5:6 NKJV) 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
God wants to do a new thing in our lives - spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically and vocationally.
David tells us how God satisfies His people (Psalms 37:3-7, 25, 37)
2B. God’s Purpose is to Magnify His Own Person (21)
From Genesis to Revelation this truth shines forth.
(1 Peter 2:9 NKJV) But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
(Matthew 5:16 NKJV) "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Twice in this chapter He calls us to be witnesses of His glory.
“You are my witnesses” (43:10, 12).
Ø Let us never forget that “man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”
3A. The Prospect of God’s New Thing (43:22-26)
If we are to enter into the promise and purpose of God’s new thing in our lives then we must recognize certain facts.
Indeed, there is no prospect of realizing God’s new thing without perceiving two things of utmost importance:
1B. The Failure of Man to Cope (22-24)
These verses make sad reading, but they are a true reflection of the failure of man to cope or come to terms with God. In the final analysis, we have to recognize that God can only expect utter failure from us.
God’s ancient people failed in their…
Ø Intercession—they had not called upon the God of Israel; (22)
Ø Dedication—they had mocked Him with their burnt offerings and sacrifices; (23)
Ø Devotion—God had to say to them, “But you have burdened Me with your sins, You have wearied Me with your iniquities. (43:24b).
2B. The Nature of God to Care (25-26)
God grants forgiveness! (25)
Ø In simple terms, this teaches us that God is waiting to forgive our sins, to purge our iniquities, and to blot out our transgressions.
Ø Think back on ’98 of all the poor choices you made. What would you most like to forget.
God gives faith (26a)
Ø More than that, he offers in their place a new faith.
“Put me in remembrance” (43:26).
Ø In the Hebrew, this literally means “to bring back to mind the promises on which we can agree.”
(Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, {9} not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Application
God promises to do new and exciting things in your life this coming year.
His purpose is to bless you and others through you so that He may receive praise.
But… you will only know his promise and purpose if you realize your need for His…Forgiveness.
By utilizing FAITH…
Forsaking All I Trust Him!
Let us believe God for His new thing in our lives, then go forth to prove His adequacy in the coming days.
And let us remember that with God the best is yet to be.
Additional Annotations
For Further Research
J. A. Alexander, Commentary on Isaiah, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House).
O. T. Allis, The Unity of Isaiah, (Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co., 1950).
Franz Delitzsch, Commentary on Isaiah, 2 vols. (reprinted., Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1949).
H. A. Ironside, Expository Notes on the Prophet Isaiah, (Neptune: Loizeaux Brothers, Inc., 1961).
F. C. Jennings, Studies in Isaiah, (Neptune: Loizeaux Brothers, Inc. 1966).
Edward J. Young, Studies in Isaiah, (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1954).
God’s New Thing
Sunday, January 3, 1999 - Isaiah 43:18-21
Introduction
With God, life is worth living. Because He is a God who is always doing new things, life can never be boring for the true Christian. In this text for a new year we have:
1A. The _____________ of God’s New Thing (43:18-19)
1B. God Promises to Transcend the Things that are ______________ (43:18-19)
2B. God Promises to Transform the Things that are _______________ (43:14-17)
2A. The _____________ of God’s New Thing (43:19-21)
1B. God’s Purpose is to __________ His own People (43:20)
2B. God’s Purpose is to _______________ His own Person (43:21)
3A. The Prospect of God’s New Thing (43:22-26)
1) The Failure of Man to _____________ (43:22, 24)
2) The Nature of God to _______________ (43:25-26)
Application
With God, the best is yet to be.