Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old.  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.  The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise (Isaiah 43:18-21).

The Prophet Isaiah held Ancient Israel to their past traditions.  His words are a constant reminder of God’s protection and deliverance.  Yet, in this passage, Isaiah seems to be saying something contrary: “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old” (v. 18).  Isaiah tells the people NOT to dwell on the past, NOT to seek security in past accomplishment, NOT to be bound by past difficulties and defeats, NOT to be tied to traditional ways of doing things. 

Isaiah reminds the Ancient Israelites (and us today) that God’s mighty deeds show us God’s nature and our own.  God did not forsake these fugitives from Egypt who crossed the Red Sea with the powerful Egyptian army in hot pursuit.  God was with the Israelites in their desert wanderings creating a new and liberated people, a people God made ready to enter the Promised Land, a people God created to praise Him.

Friends, what “former things” do you cling to?  What past glories/difficulties cloud your vision and hinder your steps?

The Prophet Isaiah calls Israel (and us) to stop dwelling on past images, mournfully looking back.  Open your eyes to what lies ahead, he says.  Open your hearts to the new journey of blessedness.  For in this new journey, you will be transformed, reshaped and refashioned.  Even the wild beasts will share in the change, for you and I will be not only a new people but a new creation!

We like the Ancient Israelites, will pass through the lonely wilderness.  We will experience suffering, difficulty and loss.  But God will not forsake us.  As was tap into the life of the Spirit and draw richly from the Wellspring of Christ’s life and presence, our vision of the world will change.  We will dare to dream.  We will dare to live into God’s hope-filled abundance.  Water will flow into the desert regions of our home, church, school and workplace.  New buds of life will spring up around us and within us.

Friends, what “new things” might God the Holy Spirit be doing within you and your family? What “new thing” might God the Holy Spirit be about to do in our community and world?  Can you and I perceive it?  Are our hearts open to receive it?  Are our hands willing embrace it?

Gracious God,

Your formed us and loved us into life.  We trust You to breathe “new” life into all the desert places and spaces within us and our world.  We give to you the past and open our hearts and minds to your Spirit’s “new” work in our world.  For we ask in Jesus’ name,  AMEN.

Rev. Rhonda J. Hoehn

Church friend from Atlantic Highlands