Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
When we consider the nineteenth verse of these two scriptures, these scriptures have a strong positive connotation. The forty-third chapter of Isaiah is filled with references to redemption for Israel. Also, it asserts the sovereignty of God as the one and only true God. As supreme Lord and redeemer of his people, the nation of Israel, God uses Isaiah the prophet to deliver a message of redemption as the God of their salvation.
Isaiah reads as foreshadowing the salvation of Christ and reminding the Israelites of the deliverance God has given them in the past. From the parting of the Red Sea through to the birth of Christ and beyond, God demonstrates his faithfulness and love of mankind, especially the nation of Israel.
Faithful and Righteous to Forgive
Although God righteously judges for transgressions and sins, he also provides a path for redemption through repentance. When those who fear God turn from wickedness and begin to obey the will of God, God is faithful to forgive. As we read in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. WEB”
The message “forget the former things” is a healthy and positive approach to moving on from a past corrupted by bad decisions and the corresponding consequences. Proclaiming that the Lord is doing something new, Isaiah encourages the Israelites to understand the love, mercy, and forgiveness that characterize the one true God.
He Will Not Always Accuse
Although negative circumstances arise from sinful acts, our heavenly Father does not remain angry forever. As we read of God in Psalm 103:9, “He will not always accuse; neither will he stay angry forever. WEB” The Lord corrects those he loves and forgives us when we turn to him in genuine repentance. We then forget the former things and move forward into the new things God is doing in our lives.
This is significant for Christians too. As we read in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. WEB” When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we do not need to dwell on past mistakes. Instead, we are called to move forward into the good things of God, our redeemer.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your love and forgiveness. Thank you for making a way through the wilderness into a better and eternal life. Help me to forget the former things and move forward into a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: In Our Image
