Isaiah Reading today is all of Chapter 35 of this prophet's biblical book.
This is a reading that is well worth reading two or three times before you begin to reflect on its contents. The ten verses in this chapter are a spirit-lifter for anyone depressed, worried, concerned or beginning a retreat!
These are marvelous words of strengthening promise that God is present to the one seeking to know him, to one returning to the Lord after some absence.
I found this chapter so filled with connections to where I am in my life. It is an invitation to allow God to tell you how he is present in your life. The examples of changes in nature and in an individual life because of God's gift of salvation ... in the gift of his Son ... surely afford imagery that can easily link anyone trying to pray to the Father.
Anyone taking time with this chapter most likely will want to be on that "highway" that "shall be called the Holy Way (verse 5)." It is the road to God for the ransomed. "Sorrow and sighing shall flee away (verse 10)."
The imagery while of nature and human life is that of change. It is a call for us to change so that we can find ourselves basking in the joy and love of God on the "Holy Way." It is the way to everlasting joy because "the redeemed shall walk there (verse 9)."
There is much in these verses as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Child Jesus, our Lord and God. I pray for you that you will truly enjoy reading what Isaiah has written. Be the new life pictured in the old tree.
