The beginning of chapter 35 is another one of those jumps from desolation to hope. This chapter is about transformation.
The question that remains about this passage is, to what time is the prophecy referring? It definitely speaks of a day yet to come, after Jesus returns for us. But I believe it is even broader than that, and refers to the difference Messiah’s coming makes. Thus, it would refer to the time from Jesus’ resurrection onward, which also encompasses Messiah’s kingdom in our current age. It teaches about the transformation Messiah makes in our lives now.
Consider the transformation of which it speaks.
- From parched to glad. Have you ever suffered a dry time in your life, when it feels like God is far off and there is no spiritual power? As the song says, we were made to thrive. Are you thriving spiritually, growing, bearing fruit, and giving shade to others?
- From wilderness to rejoicing and blossoming. The word “wilderness” did not bring to the original readers’ minds scenes like our nation’s purple mountain majesties or lush green forested hills. The wilderness of their land was very dry and rocky, unattractive in its monochrome drabness, threatening in its inability to support life. In a day when people depended on the land to produce what they needed to live on for the coming year, wilderness was not an appealing place. A human life can also be a wilderness. From drab and devoid of life, to blossoming beauty is a miraculous transformation. Are you blossoming as a result of Jesus’ transforming power in your life over sin and its effects?
- Shouting for joy speaks of uncontainable joy. Are you joyful?
- Lebanon was known for those wonderful highly-valued cedar trees; Sharon and Carmel were areas of great agricultural abundance in ancient Israel. These references speak of thriving, fruit-bearing abundance, and would further imply living the good life to the original readers. Spiritually speaking, this doesn’t refer to a life of ease and comfort, but it has its own appeal in stability, security, wisdom, faithfulness, and meaning. Is the life you’re living in Jesus’ transforming power the kind of life that appeals to others in these ways?
- Spiritual blindness and deafness spoken of throughout Isaiah, that keeps people from perceiving the truth and repenting, will no longer be a problem. Are you spiritually responsive to the Holy Spirit’s teaching, or are you satisfied with where you are spiritually?
- Streams of running water in the desert, pools of water instead of burning sand speak of relief, refreshment, and abundance in place of barrenness. The transformation is from lifeless to life-giving. Life includes growth and reproduction; do these characterize you?
- The Way of Holiness will be a highway, not a narrow way. This speaks of easy, swift and secure progress. This way will only be for those who already walk in the way of holiness, which encompasses purity and dedication to God. With no way for the unclean or wicked to journey on, they will not be welcome. Are you worthy of walking on that way in your current purity and dedication to God?
- No lion seeking someone to devour.
- Sorrow and sighing fleeing away, and instead the redeemed will be overtaken by everlasting joy and gladness.
This transformation is supposed to be true of our lives. Today’s reading is an opportunity for us to evaluate prayerfully how we have allowed Messiah’s power to transform us, and to seek God’s help in making any changes necessary to see that transformation realized in us. It’s also a reminder of how great is the salvation that God has provided for us in Jesus.