Isaiah 35
by Pastor David Groendyk

This chapter closes a section of Isaiah that is filled with oracles about the rise and fall of Jerusalem. For many chapters, Isaiah has been warning Judah of coming judgment, calling them to repent, and showing them what true redemption and salvation look like. Now, after promising one final time that all of God’s enemies will be everlastingly wiped out in chapter 34, he promises that his people will be everlastingly blessed in chapter 35.

A highway is opened by God leading from destruction to joy. In ancient times, this was partially fulfilled in 538 AD when the exiled believers were able to return to their land after living in Babylon for a time. In a sense, they were coming back home, and their land which had been barren and laid waste would be built back up again and become fruitful. What a great promise to cling to while you were stuck in a foreign land for decades as punishment for straying from God! But this is also looking forward to something much bigger—that is, when “all the ransomed church of God be saved to sin no more”. And the only way of redemption that leads back to God is Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Anyone, no matter how blind, deaf, lame, mute, foolish they might be, can be redeemed and walk this way back to communion with God if they’re willing to have all their guilty stains washed away by the blood of Christ.

Two application questions that bookend this chapter: First, do you long to see the glory of God (v. 2)? Many of us long to live in a world without sin, tears, or trials. We long to live in a world reunited with lost loved ones. But the pinnacle experience of being redeemed and saved is being able to see all of God’s glory, majesty, and goodness. We’re able to see and know God truly. And although as sinful beings now we can’t possibly look upon God’s purity and live, there will come a day when we’ll get to see him. In fact, I’ll wager that we won’t be able to take our eyes off of him. When you think of the greatness of heaven, what is it that makes it great for you?

Second, do you sing (v. 10)? Singing is a command found all throughout Scripture, especially the psalms. Singing is a norm in the Christian life. Why do we sing? One reason that Isaiah mentions here is that we have everlasting joy and gladness and that sorrow and sighing will one day flee away. Have you been saved, and have you been given everlasting joy? Then it is normal and expected for you to sing! Often times we get so caught up in what people will think of us if they hear us sing, either because we’re not good at singing or because singing isn’t considered “manly” enough or because we just don’t like our voice or because of some other self-centered reason. Let me tell you right now: God doesn’t care if you’re on-key; he wants to know that you are joyful because of your salvation and what he’s done for you! There’s nothing sweeter than when I hear a group of believers practice the blessed freedom of self-forgetfulness by singing loudly and proudly for God’s glory because they are filled with joy inexpressible at their eternal salvation. If you don’t sing, what is it holding you back? Remember what God has done for you!