Isaiah 35
-The happy future of the redeemed
is portrayed in this wonderfully hopeful chapter of Scripture. The Arabah,
which is east of the Jordan in a very dry and desolate place, is said to burst
forth with gladness, rejoicing, and blossom like the lilies of the meadow (crocus).
The land will blossom profusely with shouts of joy with glory and majesty like
the fertile places of Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon to the north. The people will
see the glory of the LORD and His majesty (Isaiah 35:1-2). Therefore, the Word
is said to “encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble. Say to those
with anxious heart, ‘Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with
vengeance; the recompense will come, but He will save you (Isaiah 35:3-4).’” In
Matthew 11:5, Jesus quotes these next verses as Messianic prophecy with the
eyes of the blind being opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, the lame
leaping like a deer, and the tongue of the mute shouting for joy (Isaiah
35:5-6). The Arabah will become fruitful and abundant with water. A highway
will be there called the “Highway of Holiness.” The unclean will not travel on
it, nor will fools wander on it. No lion or wild beast will be there, only the
redeemed of the LORD. “The ransomed of the LORD will return and come with
joyful shouting to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find
gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isaiah 35:7-10).”
*Application* While this passage speaks of a future utopia in the Kingdom of
Jesus Christ, we can now, even now, experience this kind of joy and peace in
our inner man by His awesome and wonderful Presence. Let the Holy Spirit fill
you with His abundant life and live securely in His care. God loves you and
desires to bless you. Let Him reign and rule in your heart with all His
powerful glory and majesty!
Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 35:4
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