Text Messages

Text Messages focus on the backstory of the upcoming text for this Sunday’s sermon. Provided by our pastors, these messages will give some background on that section of scripture text and give a few hints about where the sermon might be going. We hope you find these Text Messages helpful!

Sunday, April 6, 2025

SERMON SERIES:
“The Way It Is: Following Christ’s Call”

MESSAGE THEME:
“The Way Forward”

TEXT(S):
Isaiah 43:16–21

Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: 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? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.

REFLECTION:
From Pastor Meta Herrick Carlson

These verses from Isaiah 43 are set within a longer testament to who God is/was/will be: the One who forms us, the One who saves us, the One who wipes away our sin. These verses highlight the second of those three reminders about God’s identity and relational activity: God has a reputation for making a way from bondage to liberation. 

Isaiah is writing to a generation that knows exile much better than promised land, people who have since accepted their fate. The prophet calls them back into their ancient salvation story, a description of waters parted, chariots destroyed, the old regimes defeated and a new thing declared!

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

• What are some things you know to be true about God’s identity and relational activity, thanks to scripture and your lived experience? What about the global church across history? What about your own human legacy?

PRAYER:
O God, you form, save, and set us free for life and life abundant. As we near the cross this Lent, make us signs of your saving love for the sake of the world. Amen.