A NEW THINGPRIVATE 

Isaiah 43:18-22

Key Verse 43:19

1. Read v. 18a. What are some of the former things the Israelites are called to forget (Jer 16:13; Psa 126:1; Hab 2:3)? Yet why is it that people are good at remembering what they are supposed to forget, and quick in forgetting what they are supposed to remember (2Ti 3:1-3; Mat 18:21-35; Psa 103:2)? So how can we forget what we are supposed to forget, and not forget what we are supposed to remember (Isa 43:1; Col 3:13)? What spiritual applications are there for believers in the Lord (Psa 32:1-5; 103:12; 1Jo 2:2; Phi 3:13; Rom 12:2)?

2. Read v. 18b. What does "do not 'dwell on' the past" mean? How is this command related to the command, "Forget the former things"? Does this command mean that we should not learn anything from history (Isa 43:26)? Why is it not good for one to dwell on "the past"? 

3. Read v. 19a. The word "see" is a command. Why do you think the Lord "commanded" the Israelites in such a manner (Lk 5:39)? What does "see" mean? What does "I am doing a 'new' thing" suggest to us about the Lord (Zep 3:5; 2Co 5:17; Rev 21:5)? What practical lessons are there for all who put their trust in the Lord (Psa 33:3)? 

4. Read v. 19b. The word "now" speaks of the present moment. Why do you think the Lord added the question, "do you not perceive it?" What wisdom here can we cherish in order to live a fruitful life in the Lord? 

5. Read v. 19c. What might the Lord have had in mind by "the desert" or "the wasteland"? And by "a way" or "streams" (Jer 2:13; Jn 1:23; 4:10; 7:38; Rev 7:17)? 

6. Read v. 20. This passage talks about something strange and unusual. What do the words "wild" and "animals" indicate? How do wild animals behave? Do some research on jackals and owls. What are their characteristics? Yet why do they honor the Lord (Rom 8:20; Isa 55:12,13)? What does this observation teach us about the hope we have in the Lord (Acts 10;13)? 

7. Read v. 21. What does this passage teach us about the purpose of man's life (1Pe 2:9)?