Fifth Sunday in Lent: Old Testament, Isaiah 43:16-21                      

Isaiah 43:16-21

A couple decades or more ago a wonderful Christian songwriter wrote a lovely song titled, “God Will Make a Way.” Don Moen’s song is still sung in Christian congregations and as the title implies, God is the one who clears our paths.

Isaiah may well have been in Mr. Moen’s thoughts when pen was put to paper. Perhaps the very passage we are considering today. Because the context makes clear that Isaiah first is referencing the Red Sea crossing and God’s mighty delivering hand. But then the prophet moves God’s people forward to “a new thing.” Isaiah goes on to quote the Lord in saying days ahead will be like the former deliverance but so much better.

The passage under consideration ends this way: “that they might declare my praise” (v. 21b). One could almost say that God is in whatever he’s in for himself. And one would be correct. God is for his own glory and for anyone other than God, that would be presumption at best and rank arrogance at the worst. But God is also in whatever he’s in for our best. And in that truth, the wonder of our God can be seen. For his own glory, but as it lifts and blesses the children he loves so dearly. Are times troubled? Is the way ahead unclear or cluttered? Trust in the One who will make a way. He’s the only One who can.