PROMISE OF RESTORATION AND PROTECTION

Read Isaiah 43: 11, 18-20

Key verse: I am about to do a new thing;  Isa. 43:18a

The “old thing” was the Covenant of Works. In Exodus 19, God tells his people, “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.”

God kept his part – the people failed. Time and again they turned away and worshiped idols. God saw the Old Covenant would not bring his people to him, so he planned a “new thing”—a New Covenant, through which he would redeem the world.

Through the Incarnation, he would come to earth and live the human life, beginning as a weak, helpless babe who would grow up to live a life demonstrating the life God intends for each of us. Ultimately, he would give his life on the cross – a cursed death - bearing the sins of all mankind – redeeming them. He defeated death when God raised him from the grave, giving eternal life to all who choose to follow him. What a wonderful New Thing!

Prayer: Lord, we praise your name for “doing a new thing!” No longer are we bound to legalism, striving to keep your law perfectly, knowing we are unable to succeed. We still strive to live according to your commandments through our love for you and our gratitude for your Son’s sacrifice to redeem our sins. We know when we fail and repent, he is gracious and forgives. Thank you for the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, our savior. Amen