A new thing
Who doesn’t like to experience something new, different? Might be a job, home, auto, church, set of friends, whatever, New is most always associated with good. “It’s a new day” or a “new lease on life”. How about, “ring out the old, ring in the new”. One year ends and another begins. Seems to bring an atmosphere of change, even hope.
God was telling Israel that something new was coming. He had led them out of slavery in Egypt and foretold of a promised land for his people. But what might this ‘new’ thing be? They would not have known for certain. God had already foreordained this ‘new’ thing, and 700 years after Isaiah spoke, Jesus came and the gospel message became that ‘new’ thing. New life in Christ through his life, death, resurrection and ascension.
The way
Isaiah goes on to lay it out a little more clearly. “Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” They had seen God do that over and over on their forty-year journey. They did not have the benefit of the Spirit yet. So, perception would have been difficult. These verses speak of the Spirit of God being poured out on those who believe.
Jesus said “I am the way”. And that salvation comes only through him. In order to receive his salvation, the Spirit has to reveal it to anyone. Wilderness reflects lostness and hardship, while deserts are dry, creating a need for water. That is where the Spirit comes in and offers the way and springs of living water. In both cases, his name is Jesus. Rejoice, a new thing has come!! I trust it has for you.
