"Do You Not Perceive it?"

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19 ESV)

Isaiah was God’s channel to the Israelites, and many of his prophecies involved the foreshadowing of Christ’s incarnation. Today’s verse is one of them, one I find very powerful.

While this message from God was to the Israelites and foretold their release from bondage in Babylon, a significant event in their history, Christ is visibly present. This release from Babylon was not just a physical liberation, but a spiritual one, symbolizing God's power to free His people from any form of bondage. Upon dissecting this verse, we can identify several key points.

First, this is a divine announcement. It is a sign of a new beginning, a fresh start for the Israelites who have been less than devoted to God. This 'new thing' is not just a change, but a transformation, a rebirth. It is a manifestation of God's sovereignty, His ability to change and restore all things.

The new thing may be the rebirth of a forest after a forest fire, the restoration of a lost brother or sister, or the revival of an unbeliever in the Holy Spirit. If we recall, Jesus was very clear about this form of rebirth when speaking with Nicodemus: “Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

What we see next is the urgency of the words “now it springs forth”. In the context of Isaiah’s proclamation, the urgency of the release of the Israelites was imminent. This was a reminder that God was present and active in the life of every believer.  It also reflects the steadfastness of God’s love for His people.

However, God’s plan of redemption existed before the creation of the world. In this context, this foreshadowing of the coming Christ is displayed. God’s plan was springing forth through every trial and tribulation of the Israelites and the Gentiles; God’s redemptive plan was active.

The words “do you not perceive it?” are a call challenging our spirituality. It is much like a rhetorical question. Can you see the Christ in this message? Can you see God's redemptive plan in action? In a broader context, Isaiah’s narrative resonates with Christ’s call to faith and understanding. We see this in passages like Matthew 13:15, where Jesus said, “For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.”

The last sentence of the verse most likely gives you images of the 40-year path of the Israelites after the Exodus. It reminds us that God provided water from a rock, Quail from the sky, and Manna in the morning. It may remind you of the providence you see in the story of Joseph. Sold into slavery, he became royalty. While in royalty, still in bondage to a foreign nation. Yet while in this bondage, given the ability to move God’s plan forward and be rejoined to his family. What God is saying is “I am here.” It reflects God's ability to restore and provide in times of trial and tribulation. It also points to the Spiritual refreshing that comes by grace through faith in Christ. It is Jesus who offers us the living water which bubbles up inside us, leading to eternal life through His shed blood on the cross.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? Does your spirit bubble with the living water of Christ? Only through faith in the Son of God and His finished work on the cross can we be forgiven our sins and rejoined in a living relationship with God. Do not wait; seek restoration through Jesus Christ.

Not sure how? Please get in touch with us at In Messiah Ministries. We can show you the scripture that reveals the truth that is the light of the world, Jesus.

Grace and Peace.