Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? –– Isaiah 43:18-19.
These words from the prophet Isaiah mirror the spirit of renewal and transformation that underpins both the season of Lent and the celebration of Easter. The temptation to dwell in the familiar comfort of the past is a universal human experience. Whether it’s reminiscing with old teammates about past glories, fondly recalling youthful energy, or simply feeling a pull towards the “good old days,” there’s a certain nostalgia that can be comforting. However, Isaiah’s message serves as a potent reminder that clinging too tightly to what was can blind us to the vibrant possibilities of what is and what is to come.
There is certainly value in shared memories and the bonds they create. Recounting past victories can foster camaraderie, and reflecting on different times can offer perspective. However, the danger lies in allowing these reflections to become a dominant mode of being, preventing us from fully engaging with the present and embracing the future.
Isaiah’s call to “not remember the former things” is not an instruction to erase our history or disregard the lessons learned. Rather, it’s an invitation to release the grip of the past so that we can fully recognize and embrace the “new thing” that God is doing. This “new thing” isn’t necessarily a grand, earth-shattering event, but often manifests in subtle shifts, fresh perspectives, and opportunities for growth that we might miss if our gaze is fixed backward.
The season of Lent provides a dedicated time for this very process of letting go. It’s a period of intentional reflection, repentance, and self-denial, designed to clear away the clutter – both internal and external – that hinders our ability to perceive the new life God offers. This Lent, what burdens have you consciously laid down? What habits have you intentionally shifted? What limiting beliefs have you begun to question? These acts of releasing the “old” create space for the “new” to take root.
The arrival of Easter is the ultimate manifestation of this “new thing.” Just as the dormant earth awakens in spring, symbolized by the blooming flowers and vibrant azaleas, Easter celebrates the ultimate victory over death and the promise of new life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This resurrection is not just a historical event; it is a living reality that empowers us to break free from the shackles of our past mistakes, our ingrained limitations, and our fear of the unknown.
On Easter, Jesus didn’t just return to his former life; he ushered in a new era, a new covenant, and a new hope for humanity. He set us free from the power of sin and death, opening the door to a future filled with grace and possibility. This freedom calls us to make room for the future – a future shaped not by the limitations of our past, but by the boundless love and transformative power of God.
Therefore, as we witness the burgeoning life of spring and celebrate the resurrection at Easter, take Isaiah’s words to heart. Acknowledge the past without being confined by it. Let us open our eyes and our hearts to the “new thing” that is already springing forth in our lives, in our communities, and in the world around us. Embrace the freedom offered by Christ and step boldly into the future, guided by hope and the promise of new beginnings.
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