New Things

 

Isaiah 43:19 English Standard Version (ESV)

   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.

Who doesn’t like new things? New clothes, new cars, new homes, new restaurants are always on our radar.

New television shows, new movies, new foods. Even (occasionally) new neighbors.

 . . . except when it comes to the church
.

New ideas, new music, new colors, new staff, new small groups, new schedules, new seating, new people.

(The snarling in the background gradually increases to a deafening roar.)

“What? Sit in a different place? Sing that? Meet who? What do you mean, ‘get involved?’”

Perhaps someone might even complain if Jesus Himself were the guest speaker! (“How dare you preempt our pastor’s time.”)

Our pastor’s “we’re going to do something a little different” always evokes a chuckle. Fortunately, that covers the groans of those thinking “Oh no. NOW WHAT?”

Good old Isaiah was right. God is making a way, turning wilderness and desert into beautiful places. Do you not perceive it? When He is doing a new thing – whatever that may be – I plan to be a willing participant. How about you?


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