What does "not long ago" reveal about God's timing in Isaiah 48:7? Setting the Scene • Isaiah 48 addresses a stubborn Israel that knew of God’s earlier prophecies but still clung to idols. • Verses 6–8 pivot to “new things” God is about to do—things Israel has “not heard of…before today.” Reading the Key Verse “They are created now, not long ago; you have not heard of them before today, so you cannot claim, ‘Yes, I already knew them!’ ” (Isaiah 48:7) Why the Phrase “Not Long Ago” Matters • Literal time-stamp – God declares these events are “created now,” marking them as fresh, recent acts in history. • Sharp contrast – Earlier prophecies were given “long ago” (v. 5); these arrive “now,” underscoring a new phase in God’s plan. • Proof of divine authorship – Israel cannot say, “We saw this coming.” The timing strips idols and human sages of credit (vv. 5, 7). • Revelation on a need-to-know basis – The Lord reveals details precisely when His people need them—neither too soon nor too late (cf. Isaiah 42:9). • Swift execution – What He speaks “now” moves quickly to fulfillment (v. 3: “Suddenly I acted”). God’s timing marries announcement and accomplishment. • Encouragement for faith today – If He could create brand-new deliverance then, He can intervene freshly in present crises (cf. Lamentations 3:23). Key Truths about God’s Timing Highlighted by “Not Long Ago” 1. God stands outside time yet works within it at exact moments He chooses (Ecclesiastes 3:1). 2. He reserves the right to introduce unforeseen events, keeping His people dependent on revelation, not speculation (Deuteronomy 29:29). 3. His timing protects His glory; none can share credit when He acts (Isaiah 42:8). 4. “Now” moments often follow long seasons of waiting, reminding us that divine delays never equal divine neglect (Habakkuk 2:3). 5. Urgency accompanies revelation; when God speaks “now,” obedience must also be “now” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Supporting Scriptures • Isaiah 42:9 – “Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare…” • Isaiah 46:10 – He declares “the end from the beginning,” yet unfolds it in stages. • Psalm 115:3 – “Our God is in the heavens; He does as He pleases.” • Acts 17:26 – God “appointed their times” for every nation—He is Lord of history. Take-Home Insights • “Not long ago” assures us God is never late; He is precisely on time. • Fresh obedience is required for fresh revelation; yesterday’s faithfulness does not excuse today’s complacency. • Because God still authors “new things,” believers can face the unknown with settled confidence in His perfect timing. |
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