Third Sunday in Advent: Old Testament, Isaiah 35:1-10                          

Isaiah 35:1-10

Isaiah 35 is a wonderful chapter. Hope abounds. Promises are made. And because of the character of the Promise Giver, what is promised will most surely be fulfilled. Long taken by God’s people as a chapter highlighting the coming and the ministry of the Messiah of Israel, we must read it poised to see and experience that which is spoken.

The first picture is a renewal of nature. Desert will blossom. Wasteland will sing. But the land and nature wasn’t the only thing floundering. God’s people, a spiritual desert, will be renewed as well as God comes in a day of vengeance on His enemies bringing “the recompense of God; He will come and save you” (35:4b). The brokenness of God’s people will find balm and comfort, healing, and home. For in the renewal brought by Messiah, the true Israel will joyfully enter Zion, never again to be taken from it.

The Messiah long promised comes. And with the advent of Israel’s Redeemer comes a joy that will not be dampened and a security never to be threatened. This is our God. We on this side of the  cross and resurrection perhaps know a bit better the result that Isaiah saw from a distance. But Old Testament saints and new, now look ahead to the final fulfillment of promises made. For as He came to us once, so He will come again. On that day will come to our sight the truth that He has made all things new. I can’t wait. Come, Lord Jesus!