Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs out now. Don’t you know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 WEB
This prophecy from Isaiah gave the Israelites hope for a better future. Also, these words began to reveal God’s plan for salvation from sin through the redemptive life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although many Israelites strayed from God in disobedience and sin, the faithfulness of God to his people remained strong. With tender mercy, the Lord encouraged those who continued to believe in his providence.
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have a storied past. Held captive in Egypt, God delivered them from their bondage and led them through the waters of the Red Sea. This served as a precursor to the water baptism of those who believe in Christ. In the time of Isaiah, the Lord promises to do a new thing, making a way for his people in the wilderness. This upholds the sustaining of his chosen people as before in the exodus from Egypt and foreshadows the ministry of Christ. When we trust in God, he is faithful to bring us through difficult circumstances while providing for our needs.
All Things New
As God does a new thing, he remains the same but reveals deeper levels of truth and new avenues of his providence. Scripture teaches of the nature of God as revealed in his Son, Jesus Christ. We read in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. WEB” In Christ, God did a new thing. He came to earth in the flesh, paying the price for our sins on the cross. This gave believers the New Covenant of forgiveness through faith in Christ by the grace of God.
No matter what the circumstances, God has a plan to redeem his people. As we read in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. KJV”
God’s promise for renewal is evidenced in the past, continues today, and extends into the future. The Lord promises to do a new thing even in the end times. As we read in Revelation 21:5, “He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ He said, ‘Write, for these words of God are faithful and true.’ WEB”
Make Straight the Way
When the Lord says “It springs out now,” he encourages the faithful to perceive the good things of God currently present in our lives. With the words, “I make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert,” God encouraged the Israelites to remember his providence as he guided their ancestors out of Egypt and through the wilderness. The Lord promised to continue to make a way for them.
But also, these words foreshadow the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as a river of life giving water, recorded in John 7:38. In addition, the prophets’ words serve to identify the Messiah, our Savior, Jesus Christ. When asked if he was the promised Savior, John the Baptist denied that he was, revealing that Jesus is the Messiah as he quotes Isaiah in John 1:23, “He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the encouragement of your written word. Thank you for the promise and hope of a better future. Open my eyes to a new thing done in your glory. I trust you to lead me through the wilderness. Sustain me with rivers of life giving water. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Old Man
