Veroni's Views

In a critical period of the history of Israel, God exhorts his people through the prophet Isaiah:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”  (Isaiah 43:18-19)

During this time in our lives, and while many countries in the world are struggling with large issues, God is inviting you and me to look to the future and expect Him to do new things.

Jeremiah says that renewal is typical of God:

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Some ways in which we experience the renewal that God brings

1.      In the life of the believer

At regeneration 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

In constant transformation of the believer

 ^“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3: 18)

In spite of physical deterioration

 ^“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

2.      In circumstances 

 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  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.  ……… I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.”  (Isaiah 43:18-21)

3.      Ultimately

A New Heaven and a New Earth:  “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ ”

^“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!'” (Revelation 21:1-5)

What should our response be?

Jeremiah’s response:  “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, The Lord is my portion therefore I will wait for him.”  (Lamentations 3:22-24)

Paul’s resolve

Philippians 3:13

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

I pray that today you will heed God’s call in Isaiah 43.18 and 19:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

Now let us pray

Father, we praise You today as the God of renewal, who has renewed us frequently, and is still doing so.  And we look forward to new things you are going to. be doing in our lives, our country and our world.  Amen.