“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 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 43:18-19 ESV

Our verses today are from the Old Testament book of Isaiah. Isaiah was a prophet which means that he spoke God’s words to the people of Israel. Isaiah has more prophecies about the coming Messiah, Jesus, than any other book in the Bible. Isaiah was also a poet, most of his writings are Hebrew poems. (We’ll talk more about Hebrew poetry later.)

 Through Isaiah’s poetry, God asks us to forget the past things, don’t think about them. Maybe you called your friend a name when you got mad and now wish you hadn’t, but you can’t stop thinking about it and feeling bad. Maybe you yelled at your mom when she asked you to do something and got into trouble. You apologized but keep thinking about it and are still sorry.

God is not only asking us to stop looking back, but He is asking us to look to the future. God is doing a new thing! And that new thing is Jesus! When we believe in Jesus, we become new: new heart, new mind, new creation. And all our past sins are forgiven! “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25 Look to Jesus, He is always working things for our good. Try to love others like Jesus, being kind and thoughtful. When we are looking to Jesus, focusing on Him, we can better understand how we should treat others, including our family and our friends.

This week don’t keep thinking about mistakes of the past (ask for forgiveness and receive it), practice looking to Jesus, and with Jesus, make your future shine!

Blessings and joy as you look to Jesus!

Challenge: Hebrew poetry does not use rhyming words like a lot of poems we read. They use two lines that say the same thing in a different way. Look at our verse: “Remember not the former things” followed by “nor consider the things of old.” They both mean don’t remember or think about the past. The challenge this week is to write your own Hebrew poetry. Your parents can help.

My Hebrew poem for you!

You are precious to Jesus.

You are honored and loved by Him.