“This is what the L ORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.’

‘The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.’” (Isa. 43:16–21)

Historical Background “…I am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (Isaiah 43:25)

Lessons From the Babylonian Exile: 1. God visits Judgment Upon Sin “…I, the L ORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,” (Exodus 20:5)

Lessons From the Babylonian Exile: 1. God visits Judgment Upon Sin Important Truth: God will not allow disobedience to continue indefinitely.

Lessons From the Babylonian Exile: 1. God visits Judgment Upon Sin “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

Lessons From the Babylonian Exile: 1. God visits Judgment Upon Sin “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.” (Romans 2:5)

Lessons From the Babylonian Exile: 2. God visits Blessing Upon the Repentant “…The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:46–47)

Lessons From the Babylonian Exile: 2. God visits Blessing Upon the Repentant “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” (Acts 3:19)

Preparing for God’s Blessing: 1.Repent 2.Forget the Past “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” (Isaiah 43:18)

Preparing for God’s Blessing: 2 Aspects of Spiritual Amnesia - 1.Condemnation of a Painful Past 2.Limitation of a Positive Past

Preparing for God’s Blessing: 1.Repent 2.Forget the Past 3.Live Expectantly “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19)