Isaiah 35

For those who are in despair, who are anxious and worried, who feel defeat is upon them, I have these words to share with you: "Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will save you" (Isaiah 35:4, ESV).

This chapter in Isaiah is filled with hope. Hope of a time when all tears and sorrows will disappear (Isaiah 35:10c; Revelation 21:4). The land will be filled with the glory of the LORD. That which was not perfect, which was broken, will be made new (vv. 8-7). It will be a time where evil will once and for all be removed from the land. Sin will no longer dwell among the good. And in this passage, the crescendo of hope and joy reaches its climax in verse 10: "The ransomed of the LORD shall return..." (ESV).

We are in Passion week right now--Good Friday is only four days away. This is a particularly appropriate time to reflect on Jesus' work on the cross (though it is always good to do this no matter what time of year). In Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples his purpose in life: to serve and give himself up as a ransom (Matthew 20:28). Before we knew Christ, we walked and lived in our sins, we were living dead people (Ephesians 2:1-3). But Christ died as a ransom.

Romans 5:12-21 reminds us of the grace we have received from God through Christ's work on the cross. It is easier, I think, to receive grace, than to give it. It is important to remember who we used to be and what Christ did for us, if only to prevent us from judging those around us (Romans 12:3).

Equal to, if not more important than, Christ's death, is his resurrection. We serve serve a risen Christ. When he rose from the grave, he returned to his Father in heaven, but promised before he left, that he would return again, and when he does, we will be redeemed (Titus 2:11-14). Our broken bodies will be made new (Revelation 21:5).

Therefore, as we reflect this week upon all God has done for us through his Son Jesus Christ and the promise of hope that awaits us at his return, let us live each moment with joy and praise, and let us "give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so" (Psalm 107:1-2a, ESV).