Isaiah 43:18-25 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 43:18-25 on biblegateway.com
Verse 18Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. Verse 19I 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. Verse 20The 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, Verse 21the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
Verse 22Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel! Verse 23You have not brought me your sheep for burnt offerings, or honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, or wearied you with frankincense. Verse 24You have not bought me sweet cane with money, or satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins; you have wearied me with your iniquities. Verse 25I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.
Devotion
God will do a new thing. And notice it's not for people who deserve to have their situation "fixed.” It's not based on their repentance, or because they've pleaded for it. These people have turned away from God! Suffering might sometimes bring people to cry out to God to relieve their burdens, but not this time. Even their suffering in exile has not brought them to seek God.
God will do a surprising thing: "I will blot out your transgressions for my own sake." It's not for my sake, because I've been begging or because now, for once, I'm listening.
Where else do we see such a picture of pure grace? Ah, on the cross of Jesus! There this life-giving stream of “water” (Isaiah 43:20) comes to us. It's just as undeserved, just as surprising. It's there even before I ask. It's almost too good to be true. That's how it is with God's new things!
Prayer
God, help us to see all that has become new for us because of the cross. Amen