Isaiah 35 REDEEMED The God-defying world of chapter thirty-four is seen in stark contrast to the blessings of the redeemed of the Lord in the future in chapter thirty-five. The contrast between these two chapters is that of just vengeance against sin and divine blessing because of grace. The people of God and the people of the world are emphasized in these chapters like the difference between a dry desert and on that blossoms like a rose. It is true the millennium will be like that compared to the tribulation, but the contrast goes beyond the visible and natural to include the spiritual differences as well.
When there is a rainfall on the desert today, immediately flowers spring up all over as the seed in the sand is given life-giving water from God and His life-source. In the millennium animal behavior characteristics will be changed. Plant life will flourish. Full and plenty from earth’s fullness will not be withheld because of human greed, but will supply what is needed by poor and rich alike. The earth hasn’t lost its fullness. It is just being held back because of human sin. The power and provision of God will open the earth to release its fullness. More that that, the Holy Spirit’s power will enable praises to be given from the hearts of people who were once closed to the sweet strains of divine blessings and promises.
Millennial blessings will not be just because of the change of the environment. More important is the change in the inhabitants of that coming golden age. The wonders of our Lord’s ministry when He was here the first time, give us a preview of the coming millennial blessings. Grace hasn’t lost its provision. It will be offered then as it is today to those who in faith believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Spirit of God works in the soul of a person, that spiritually dead person comes alive after conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment does the work of bringing repentance toward God. The heart of such a person is opened by faith through the word of God to respond to the grace of God. The Holy Spirit reveals the value of the sacrifice of Christ on behalf of the sinner in a personal way, and that person is born again by the Spirit of God and the word of God. They will then truly say, “Jesus died for me.”
Inward changes in people are as real and different as the barren dry desert is to a fruitful field. The changes in the redeemed are the same as the contrast of life and death. “We know we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” Redeemed people reflect the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ who is “The Great Redeemer [who] became our Savior; and all God’s fullness, dwelleth in Him.” The helpless sinking feeling that fear brings, and the feebleness of a useless stumbling journey through life, is completely changed. Confidence and strength come when faith in God is real. Trust in the all-sufficiency of our Lord, instills courage and assurance when we know that God is for us and with us.
In the millennium our God will come and no longer is there any excuse for being discouraged. His righteousness is imparted to those who believe on Him in every age. He places us in a place of personal acceptance and His strength takes the place of our weakness. His truth, His voice, His ways give us reason to praise and give honor to Him. Spiritual refreshment and satisfaction take the place of a dry and thirsty soul where there is no water of life. In the millennium those who have previously overlooked will be made objects of Messiah’s attention. The blind will see and the deaf will hear. The lame will walk and the silent ones will sing for joy.
The way of holiness for the redeemed people leads us to that special place of fellowship and joy with our Redeemer and with all of the redeemed of the Lord. Those who are not redeemed cannot walk on that “Highway of Holiness,” no matter who they are, what religion they might adhere to or what their opinion regarding spiritual things might be. The Lord himself will share His holiness with His people who have experienced the blessing of redemption by the precious blood of Christ. Redemption hasn’t lost its worth. They will travel with Him on the highway of holiness all through life enjoying the benefits of His grace all the way. Plain people or wise people; low status people or those in the high places – any who have put their personal faith in Christ, will walk on that path of holiness and light with the Lord.
The road to Zion will resound with millions of singing believers whose joy in the Lord is openly expressed. Sorrow and sighing because of losses on the road of life, will give way to gladness and joy because of God’s abundant blessings. The gladness in the hearts of the redeemed will make all “the toils of the road [to] will seem nothing, when we get to the end of the way.” Sorrows of the past will be so far removed, that they, and perhaps even the memories of fear, complaints and suffering, will be gone. Faith hasn’t lost its power.
Believers today look forward to the rapture and heaven, when our Lord Jesus Christ and His church will be united as one in spirit and holy fellowship. We rejoice today in the assurance of our blessings that we experience day by day, but we also rejoice as we think of the coming blessings on earth of God’s people the Jews. All the suffering they have gone through as God’s chosen people will be past. The fulfillment of the covenant promises made with God will change, not only the demographics of nations and people on earth, but the minds and hearts of the people. People haven’t lost their worth to God.