"The Former Things" (Isaiah 42:5-25) - Daily Manna - 02/11/26

Feb 11, 2026 • Rabbi Cosmo Panzetta

What happens when God’s own people become blind to the very light they were called to carry?

In Isaiah 42:5–25, the LORD speaks as the Creator who stretched out the heavens, hammered out the earth, and gave breath to every person who walks upon it. Nothing in creation was accidental — and neither is His covenant purpose.

This passage reveals the mission of the Servant: a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, the One who opens blind eyes and brings prisoners out of darkness. And yet, it also exposes a heartbreaking truth — Israel’s inability, in human weakness, to fulfill what they were summoned to do.

But the story doesn’t end in failure.

The LORD points to the “former things” to awaken His people… because He is about to declare something NEW.

This is a message about blindness and mercy, judgment and restoration, Torah made glorious, and the faithful Servant who succeeds where we could not.

Behold… the former things. And prepare your heart for the new thing God is doing.

Key Texts: Isaiah 42, Isaiah 40, Genesis 15, Luke 4

Devotional and Discussion Questions

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