Links for today’s readings:
Jul 14 Read: Isaiah 43 Listen: (4:06) Read: Psalms 108-109 Listen: (4:28)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43.1-2, 16-19
1 But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
16 This is what the Lord says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
Reflection: Providential Patterns
By John Tillman
Why should we remember what God has done?
One reason is that noticing new things God does now is easier when we remember God’s deeds from the past.
In Isaiah 43, God points to past miracles as evidence of his identity, faithfulness, and loving purpose. He references the Exodus story, including the burning bush, crossing the sea, the drowning of Pharoah’s army, and providing food and water for his people in the wilderness.
He says that he will do similar things for his people in the future but he warns against dwelling on the past. He says, “I’m doing something new. Don’t you notice?” God is doing something that is “the same but different.”
God’s deeds for Israel in Isaiah’s day would be the same but different than his deeds in Moses’ day. And God’s deeds today will be the same but different than the deeds we might look back on.
Israel would never again cross the Red Sea or the Jordan on dry land. Neither will you. However, when God is with you, rivers of troubles may rise but they won’t wash you away. Isaiah would never see God in a burning bush like Moses did. Daniel would never stand in a burning furnace like his friends did. However, when God is with you, you may be caught (or thrown) in a fiery trial, but the flames won’t burn you up and God will be with you.
Don’t dwell on the past or look for God to do the same thing again. Don’t put your hope in nostalgia. Put your hope in God bringing newness, not the same old thing. Put your hope in new wine for new wineskins. Put your hope in the small, unexpected things that are springing up. Do you perceive them? Pray that you will.
Lord, help us remember the providential patterns of your saving help.
When we passed through waters, fires, wildernesses, and wastelands
You did not abandon us.
Help us not fear present or future trials.
May the patterns of previous blessings help us perceive today’s.
Let us be quick to see your saving work and quick to praise and thank you, giving you glory.
Help us not to dwell in the past but dwell with you.
Help us not to lose ourselves in nostalgia for bygone days but rejoice in new appreciation for your works today.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the whole earth. — Psalm 96.1
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more: Steadfast Hope
When your steadfast heart wavers, return to Jesus’ promises. In him, we have and will have victory.
Read more: Revenge to Redemption
In him alone all harm will be healed and all evil destroyed. All evil and lies will be cut down. Jesus alone can turn revenge into redemption.
