Sunday, Dec.12, 2010...Sermon Scripture: Isaiah 35

As a class, we seemed to struggle with this scripture.  It is a prophesy which points to the total healing that God will deliver to the Jews, and we concluded that the delivery is Jesus.  I think the struggle we had was out of conviction that we have failed to receive the fullness that Jesus offers, which should make us a joyful group of people in this otherwise lost world. 

The beginning verses give us a beautiful picture of God's creation rejoicing and blossoming.  It also talks about the healing God will bring to the lame, the blind, and the deaf plus a birth of hope and promise from God.  We agreed that the chapter is one of promise and assurance that God will deliver us.  We should be full of joy.

Verse 8:  "A highway shall be there, and it will be called the Holy Way (Way of Holiness...NIV); the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people."  We know that Jesus said that He is the Way, so this Holy Way is truly the gift of Jesus, who leads us down the path where we receive all the promises He has outlined.  I believe that this scripture points to the gift of the Holy Spirit who is our guide and counsellor on our daily walk.  He leads us, brings us back, and shows us all the glory that is God. 

Isaiah showed us what God did for the world when He gave us Jesus.  The world was ransomed by His blood and we are redeemed.  We are identified with Christ and God's fullness lives within us via the Holy Spirit.  We are one with God just as Christ is one with Him.  If we would all pray and seek that oneness we will be the joy that God talks about.  We will travel that Way of Holiness, set apart from the world and a light unto it...all according to God's plan and promise.