Judgment and redemption

Judgment and redemption. 

These two ideas are seen throughout scripture and they are very evident here in these two chapters.

First, God metes out judgment against the nations in chapter 34 as all those who come against his people Israel shall be judged and destroyed.

And then in chapter 35, we see the redemption of his people. 

How does it come?  Through Jesus Christ. 

Isaiah encouraged the people saying,

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”  (Isaiah 35:3-4)

“Your God will come.” 

In the short term, God came and brought judgment against the Assyrians and then the Babylonians.  But not only did he bring judgment, he brought salvation.  He says in verses 5-6,

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. (Isaiah 35:5-6)

When John the Baptist was in prison, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he really was the Messiah.  Jesus answered them,

“Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”  (Matthew 11:4-5)

I can’t help but think that this passage in Isaiah is what Jesus was referring to when he sent his message. 

He was saying, “Do you remember what Isaiah said about God coming and the blind seeing, the lame walking, and the deaf hearing?  Well that’s what’s happening now. 

“So strengthen your feeble hands, John.  Steady your knees that are giving way.  Be strong.  I, the Messiah, have come.  Do not be afraid, and do not lose hope.”

We, like John, may have times of doubt.  Our faith seems dry, and we start to wonder if God’s really there.  If he really cares.  If our redemption is really coming. 

But as Jesus told John, don’t give in to doubt.  Cling instead to our Savior.  He has come and he will come to you.  And in time,

Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.  The burning sand will become a pool, and the thirsty ground bubbling springs.  (Isaiah 35:6-7)

And always remember that the day will come when you enter Zion with singing, and everlasting joy will crown your head. 

Gladness and joy will overtake you, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.  (10)