Good morning People of God in Christ Jesus.
We give glory to God for the gift of another new day, we thank God for the privilege of life and for His unending mercy and grace upon us always. Praise God!
The book of Isaiah Chapter 35.
This Chapter is one of the most glorious writings of Prophet Isaiah and also one of the best writings of hope and restoration in the entire Scripture.
Prophet Isaiah actually presents us with a figurative view of how the Church would be restored on the last Day.
👉Believers shining in the radiance of God’s glory.
👉The wilderness turned into a fruitful field.
👉Eden restored for the Kingdom of God to bring hope to the weak and struggling.
👉Lebanon too is not left behind.
He uses the word “blossom” repeatedly especially in verses 1 and 2.
Isaiah 35:1-2 TPT
The wilderness and dry land will be joyously glad! The desert will blossom like a rose and rejoice!
[2] Every dry and barren place will burst forth with abundant blossoms, dancing and spinning with delight! Lebanon’s lush splendor covers it, the magnificent beauty of Carmel and Sharon. My people will see the awesome glory of Yahweh, the beautiful grandeur of our God.
The word “blossom” in Hebrew transliteration is called “pârach” pronounced as /paw-rakh/ and it means:
To break forth as a bud, i.e to bloom.
In general use, it means to spread and in specific use, it means to fly just like a bird would extend its wings.
Then figuratively, it means to flourish.
Isaiah uses names, locations and even vocabularies that are known to him as at then and also peculiar to their nation and surrounding nations, in order to communicate God’s words of restoration to His people, which figuratively is referring to every Believer.
We as a church would be risen up to reflect the glory of God and flourishing as we dwell in and carry His presence and glory. It’s a message of Salvation and restoration.
Having given a picture of how promising the future looks, he then continues in verses 3&4 on the need to encourage the weak and feeble.
[3] Strengthen those who are discouraged. Energize those who feel defeated.
The writer of Hebrew also quoted Isaiah in verse 3. Please read Hebrews 12:12-13
Now, let’s continue with Isaiah…
[4] Say to the anxious and fearful, “Be strong and never afraid. Look, here comes your God! He is breaking through to give you victory! He comes to avenge your enemies. With divine retribution he comes to save you!”
Note: the enemies intended here are the devil and his demons.
[5] Then blind eyes will open and deaf ears will hear. [6] Then the lame will leap like playful deer and the tongue-tied will sing songs of triumph. Gushing water will spring up in the wilderness and streams will flow through the desert.
[7] The burning sand will become a refreshing oasis, the parched ground bubbling springs, and the dragon’s lair a meadow with grass, reeds, and papyrus.
[8] There will be a highway of holiness called the Sacred Way. The impure will not be permitted on this road, but it will be accessible to God’s people. And not even fools will lose their way.
Note: verse 8 is referring to those who have been saved or redeemed – All Believers.
[9] The lion will not be found there; no wild beast will travel on it- they will not be found there. But the redeemed will find a pathway on it.
Note: Isaiah uses “lion” as a metaphor here to describe the devil.
Apostle Peter did the same thing too in his Epistle in 1Peter 5:8
Then finally, Prophet Isaiah says…
[10] Yahweh’s ransomed ones will return with glee to Zion. They will enter with a song of rejoicing and be crowned with everlasting joy. Ecstatic joy will overwhelm them; weariness and grief will disappear!
Hallelujah Amen!
Having seen these writings of hope and restoration, let’s continue to encourage one another just like the writer of Hebrew says:
Hebrews 12:12-13 TPT
So be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship. And strengthen your weak knees,
[13] for as you keep walking forward on God’s paths all your stumbling ways will be divinely healed!
Also the writer of Proverbs has this to say…
👇👇👇
Proverbs 4:25-27 TPT
Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions. [26] Watch where you’re going! Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you.
[27] Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked for even a moment or take the detour that leads to darkness.
To be continued…Praise God!
Let’s declare this together:
I refuse to allow myself to be distracted for even a moment or take the detour that leads to darkness. Rather, I am focussed on God and His restoration plan for my life in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Bible readings for today: Romans Chapters 1, 2 & 3 with Proverbs 20:1-15
I call you blessed now and always.
Monday May 4, 2020 (DDMI)