Scripture

“The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:10

Reflections

The Jewish temple, “the holy habitation of the Most High” (Ps. 46:4), was located on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem, “God's holy hill” (Ps. 2:6).  At the time of Isaiah 35, the people of Judah were exiled in Babylon, far away from Zion.  There seemed to be no way back.  They felt lost, defeated, dejected, abandoned, and estranged from God.

But the prophet Isaiah spoke of a new day.  It would be a day when the redeemed of the Lord would return to Zion.  The Lord God himself would come and save them.  When there seemed to be no way back to the Lord God, a new highway will come into view.

There are times when we get lost in our own lives, feeling like there is no way back to God.  Our sinful condition leaves us estranged from God.  But then Jesus enters the scene.  He is the one who came to us and redeemed us through his holy and precious blood.  When we see what he has done for us and trust in him, our eyes are opened to a new and holy way to Zion.

No longer do we need to feel lost, defeated, dejected, abandoned, and estranged.  A new way has been opened to us through Jesus.  The ransomed will return with singing, everlasting joy, and gladness.  Sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for opening a new way through Jesus.  I embrace your promises with everlasting joy and gladness.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10