ISAIAH 35:1-10

The work of a prophet in the days of the kings of Israel was thankless and often dangerous. Remember the very last of these men was John, and he had his head served in the king’s court on a platter because he spoke truth about sin. Isaiah was not martyred, but he preached an unpopular message of sin and judgment.

The way of sin turns gardens into deserts

The imagery is powerful and descriptive. Unless, of course, sin is the pathway you choose to seek happiness. In that case it makes no sense. The uptight Bible-thumpers just don’t know how to have fun! In Isaiah’s day, he lived in the midst of immorality, injustice and inhumanity. What could be done?

Water is the key to restoration

No matter the culture and no matter the sin, the refreshing “living water” of God is the only cure for the wasteland we create in our lives with sin. As they say, “admitting you have a problem is the first step”. On the heels of the return of “water” is gladness and rejoicing. Spiritual fertility gives birth to great joy.

The Prophet foretold the ministry of Jesus

Hundreds of years before He came, the Holy Spirit moved Isaiah to speak of the wonders Jesus would perform. These very deeds were the proof Jesus offered to John to identify Himself as Messiah. The powerful harm from sin required the powerful working of God. But, a change is also required.

The way of holiness is the way salvation

Grace is free, but it certainly is not cheap. When we are redeemed by the blood of Jesus we simply cannot continue in the way of sin that got us into this mess in the first place.  Our old ways may have given us a measure of perceived, short-term happiness, but it robbed us of true joy. The way of holiness is an elevated roadway, not in the sense of arrogance. Rather, it’s elevated because of the upward calling of the God of Holiness.

Discover … His Joy

Access … His Joy

Share … His Joy