THE ERA OF NEW THINGS

"Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert." (Isa 43:19)

Long before the inauguration of the New Covenant, and the induction of the "day of salvation," God began speaking through the prophets on the matter. It is as though He could not keep silent about it, looking forward to the time when sin would be expiated and men could be received by Him righteously. The text before us an example.

Sin had created a moral wasteland in the world–both among the Jews and the Gentiles. The way to God had become so obscure that of all peoples in the world, only the Jews had any valid knowledge of God. Even that was introductory and elementary. Yet, God promised He would do a "new thing." He would break through the doldrums brought on by transgression, and make a way to Himself. He was speaking of salvation in Christ Jesus.

The "new thing" will "SPRING FORTH," occurring suddenly. It will sprout up like an unexpected plant bursting through the crusted soil of neglected centuries. God would abruptly break into the hum-drum life of the world. He would do so by making "a road in the wilderness"–a way of access to God in an unexpected place. From a spiritually barren wasteland, men would find a way to God.

Additionally, this "new thing" would include refreshment as well as access–"rivers in the desert." Life–spiritual life–will be sustained in a desolate place "where no water is" (Psa 63:1). These "rivers" would burst out of the ground like a mighty gushing flood. They would be abundant, fresh, and refreshing. No scarcity, no rationing, no periods during which the river is inaccessible!

This is a marvelous depiction of salvation in Christ. It includes both access to God and refreshment for the soul. To put it another way, we come to God, and God comes to us. These are not matters of philosophy or speculation, but are actually realized by the people: i.e., "Shall you not know it?" They come to God, and are advantaged, and know it!

How marvelous is this great salvation! It has opened the door to heaven, giving men access to the God they once offended. It has also brought a river of refreshment to their soul, encouraging and revitalizing them. All of this occurs while they are in a wilderness, where no moral good can be produced without Divine intervention. It also is experienced in a place where no satisfaction can be otherwise found.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Christ, help me to avail myself of the greatness of Your salvation, and to separate myself from all lifeless and impotent religion.

-- MONDAY: DIVINE LEADING, SEEN IN THE EXAMPLE OF OUR LORD --