THE REDEEMED NATION
A better future is the certain hope of a believer, one redeemed by the blood of Jesus. Not only is this hope true for the remainder of his life here on earth, the promise extends on to eternity, where that hope is perfected. Isaiah 35 is a synopsis of what awaits the redeemed.
- Weakness reversed
Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear;——–Then will the eyes of the blind be openedand the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy (v 3-6).
Though man desires much in life, his weakness limits him. There are projects he is unable to unable to embark upon, there are tasks left undone, there are threats that overwhelm and weakness surrounds him at all times. Yet, a redeemed life is one where weakness is reversed, and a believer finds strength to overcome his limitations and walk in the realm of the impossible.
- Habitat blooms
Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. (v 6,7)
Right from the time when God told Adam following his fall, “Cursed is the ground because of you”, the Bible has maintained the dependence of the physical creation on the spiritual health of man. When man obeys God, his habitat also blooms. There are no laws of physics to explain this connection, but it is true. Societies and nations as a whole that turn to the Lord and accept Jesus, find physical blessing invading their land. Indeed, springs will bubble and streams flow in the desert.
- Unhindered holiness
And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. (v8)
Narrow is the road that leads to life and only a few find it, the reason being that sin is dominant in this world, by man’s own choice. Yet to all who embrace Jesus, the Spirit of God comes to dwell within and makes holiness within reach. It is no longer man struggling to be good, but God making men holy. And when God recreates this earth, evil will be banished and the Way of holiness will indeed be a highway, wherein all who belong to God will walk unhindered.
- Lasting joy
—everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (v10)
Joy is non-existent before Jesus comes to dwell within a believer, it becomes permanent when man finally joins in eternal union with his maker. Joy is much more than happiness that worldly things bring about; it is a deep-seated supernaturally given inner gift that is independent of worldly circumstances. When true joy comes home, a disciple will be joyful even in the midst of crisis and suffering.
In Christ is redemption, and if such is redemption, what more can man ask of God?
