Scripture Reading(s)
Isaiah 43:16-21
43:16 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,
43:17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
43:18 Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old.
43:19 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.
43:20 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,
43:21 the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
Reflections
Have you ever gone through a period in life in which you felt like you just needed to be in control of every little thing? This passage paints a picture of just how much in control God is over the big and small.
His authority over this world knows no bounds and there is nothing that goes outside the loving and watchful care of our heavenly Father. He knows ever detail and this passage declares that all of nature including the sea and animals will turn and honour Him.
How amazing it is to know that we live in a world in which God knows our every need? We can always rest assured that God allows for circumstances to take place in our lives and that nothing happens without His allowing to. With that in mind, we can trust that through the good and bad that God is going to carry us through and is always lovingly looking after us.
It is easy to see why the work of John the Baptist and Jesus were connected to the book of Isaiah.
I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. (Mark 1:3)
Indeed God was doing a new thing. He was taking His word and placing them in our hearts. He was moving from Israel to any who would be willing to produce good fruit.
But even this new thing includes Israel. Don’t be believing the God has abandoned His convenient with Israel. “The people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.” God is still working to bring ALL people to Him. Not one single person does God want to see perish.
Let us be thankful and give praise to the God who have us life and all other things. If we do not even the rocks will cry out.
[Featured image from gabsfromagodgirl.wordpress.com]