God’s Guiding Word: Hope
Introduction
Isaiah 35:1–10: The land of God’s people is pictured as blooming and rejoicing because the LORD will bring his people back from exile. The people will return on a highway called “The Road of Holiness” that the LORD will prepare.
Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 35:2b
Everyone will see the LORD’s splendor, see his greatness and power.
Reading
35 The desert will rejoice,
and flowers will bloom in the wastelands.
2 The desert will sing and shout for joy;
it will be as beautiful as the Lebanon Mountains
and as fertile as the fields of Carmel and Sharon.
Everyone will see the LORD’s splendor,
see his greatness and power.
3 Give strength to hands that are tired
and to knees that tremble with weakness.
4 Tell everyone who is discouraged,
“Be strong and don’t be afraid!
God is coming to your rescue,
coming to punish your enemies.”
5 The blind will be able to see,
and the deaf will hear.
6 The lame will leap and dance,
and those who cannot speak will shout for joy.
Streams of water will flow through the desert;
7 the burning sand will become a lake,
and dry land will be filled with springs.
Where jackals used to live,
marsh grass and reeds will grow.
8 There will be a highway there,
called “The Road of Holiness.”
No sinner will ever travel that road;
no fools will mislead those who follow it.
9 No lions will be there;
no fierce animals will pass that way.
Those whom the LORD has rescued
will travel home by that road.
10 They will reach Jerusalem with gladness,
singing and shouting for joy.
They will be happy forever,
forever free from sorrow and grief.
Reflect
Water was the most precious natural resource in the dry lands where God’s people lived. The image of a dry land turning into a land “filled with springs” (verse 7) symbolizes God’s abundance. In what ways do you experience God’s abundance in your life?
Pray
God of abundance, your Word today is one of gladness and joy. Open my eyes, ears, and heart to your splendor so that I can proclaim your greatness and power. Help me to follow your Road of Holiness. I will sing and shout your praise. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Isaiah 40:1–17: The prophet Isaiah offers words of hope.