Jan. 21, 2024

MAKE ROOM FOR THE LORD TO DO NEW THINGS!

Isaiah 43:18-21 Pastor DeWayne F. Davis Sr. 1-21-24

The Lord sent Isaiah to tell His people in captivity that things are about to change. God has plans. He has not forsaken them. He is about to bring them out!

1. EXPEL THE OLD! – v. 18

Israel sat around talking about the good old days when God was showing up and doing the miraculous. They placed God way back there, as if He wasn’t really doing or going to do anything now, or new!

God wanted them to know what He did back then, was for those people back then. Israel was now in a totally difference place and needed to make room for God to do something else! They needed to expel the old! Philippians 3:13a.

2. EXPECT THE NEW! – v. 19a

They were to set their sights on anticipating what was coming down the pike of God’s will and providence. Something new was about to spring forth to replace the old, like perennials dying off replaced by new ones during Springtime growth. God loves replacing the old with the new! 2 Corinthians 5:17.

 “If you aim for nothing, you’re sure to hit it.” Plan and set some new goals for 2024! Believe what God says in Proverbs 16:1, 9.

3. EXPECT THE EXTRAORDINARY! – v. 19b-20

In essence He’s saying, “If you thought what I did in the past was something, I’m going to outdo that and blow your mind with the extraordinary!” He protected them from the wild animals that were sure to devour them v. 20. 

And God reversed the miracle of the Red Sea! This time He would bring the sea to them! The purpose was to refresh them and provide opportunities for growth.

4. EXPRESS THE ETERNAL – v.21, 7

This was for Israel to get back to the basics of why God called them to be His people in the first place; TO PROCLAIM HIS PRAISE; TO GLORIFY HIM! He formed them for praise, created and made them for His glory!

They were formed for faith! Wired to be witnesses! Produced for praise! Made to magnify!  He is giving us the opportunity to step out of ourselves, trust Him and then watch Him glorify Himself with something new! Isaiah 43:10

1 Cor. 15:52; John 14:2; Rev. 2:17; Rev. 7:9; Rev. 5:9; Rev. 21; Rev. 21:2.