Introduction

Isaiah 35:1–10: Today’s reading is a hymn celebrating the renewal of a once-barren land that is now blooming and rejoicing. The “Road of Holiness” will be a highway along which exiles will be able to travel on their journey home.

Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 35:2b GNT

Everyone will see the LORD’s splendor, see his greatness and power.

Read

35 The desert will rejoice,
and flowers will bloom in the wastelands.
2 The desert will sing and shout for joy;
it will be as beautiful as the Lebanon Mountains
and as fertile as the fields of Carmel and Sharon.
Everyone will see the Lord’s splendor,
see his greatness and power.

3 Give strength to hands that are tired
and to knees that tremble with weakness.
4 Tell everyone who is discouraged,
“Be strong and don’t be afraid!
God is coming to your rescue,
coming to punish your enemies.”

5 The blind will be able to see,
and the deaf will hear.
6 The lame will leap and dance,
and those who cannot speak will shout for joy.
Streams of water will flow through the desert;
7     the burning sand will become a lake,
and dry land will be filled with springs.
Where jackals used to live,
marsh grass and reeds will grow.

8 There will be a highway there,
called “The Road of Holiness.”
No sinner will ever travel that road;
no fools will mislead those who follow it.[a]
9 No lions will be there;
no fierce animals will pass that way.
Those whom the Lord has rescued
will travel home by that road.
10 They will reach Jerusalem with gladness,
singing and shouting for joy.
They will be happy forever,
forever free from sorrow and grief.

Reflect

Verse 2 refers to the “LORD’s splendor.” In the succeeding verses (3–7), how is God’s splendor, greatness, and power described? Where do you see God’s splendor today? Reread verses 8–10. How is the “Road of Holiness” described? How do you envision what is described in today’s reading?

Pray

God of splendor, greatness, and power, I worship you and praise you for your mighty deeds. Guide me each day so that I may walk the “Road of Holiness” and give honor and glory to you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Ezekiel 36:1–15: God promises to restore Israel.