~Chronological Study, Isaiah 35 through 38 reflections~
Two years ago tomorrow my Dad left earth for his forever home in heaven. This morning as I reflect on life, loss and legacies, the passages from my Bible study bring glimpses of a future hope that is peace giving and precious.
Just before turning out the lights on another day last night, I read the headlines. The leading stories included sad details about a thirteen year old local boy whose life seemed full of promise being shot--and killed--by his best friend. That was followed by several other tragic reports. Every day's news is full of discouraging tales of a bad economy, unrest in the Middle East, political gaffes and attacks, and heaping helpings of other negativity heavy enough to weigh down the strongest shoulders.
God's children endured their own distressing reports as described in Isaiah 34, but in Isaiah 35 a page is turned that brings comforting reminders of a future day of peace and protection in the form of what is called the Highway of Holiness.
We've probably all imagined the streets of gold that are depicted in scripture, but this highway and its description is set apart. It's a route created by God for a specific group of people that will be revealed when he restores through Christ what the enemy has stolen. I read these verses aloud and had chills:
And a great road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God's ways; fools will never walk there. Lions will not lurk along its course, nor any other ferocious beasts. There will be no other dangers. Only the redeemed will walk on it. Those who have been ransomed by the LORD will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness. Isaiah 35:8-10
Can you picture it? Not just a path, a highway crafted specifically for those who have been ransomed and redeemed. And my Dad was. Far from perfect (and the first one to admit that) Dad surrendered his heart to Jesus Christ as forgiver and leader and never looked back.
Because I have done the same, someday after I've seen Jesus face to face my redeemer will reunite me with Daddy (and all who've gone before me who placed their trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of their sin). On that day, having left the bad news of this present world behind, we'll walk hand in hand on the Highway of Holiness--laughing, celebrating and experiencing real life the way it was meant to be before sin messed up God's beautiful plan.
Recently, I heard someone say something that I think about every day:
For the follower of Christ, your very worst day on earth is as bad as things will EVER be! Unbeliever, your very best day on earth is as good as you can ever hope for!
What better reason to trust Jesus could there be? My prayer is that one day every person who reads this will travel that highway. It's only promised to those who have a token for the toll at its entrance but the token, though priceless, is free. It was paid for in full by the precious blood of the Savior who died so that you and I (and my Dad) might live forever in a place where there is no bad news. See you there?
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