Through the Bible: IsaiahSample

God’s Recompense 

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus.

Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, Be strong, fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.

Isaiah 35:1, 3-4 (ESV)

It is as if the black thunder clouds roll away and the sun comes out. This is a picture of a happy wilderness. In verses 3-4, to the people who are fearful, the message is comforting. There is no need to fear the future if you belong to God and know that one day He will come with recompense.

In verses 5-7, miracles of healing are described; the eyes of the blind will see and the lame will leap like deer.

In chapters 36-37, we see the arrogance of the Assyrian King and His commander. The latter attempted to weaken the people’s confidence in God through threats, lies and arguments. He claimed that God was not powerful enough to save Jerusalem. In the end, God had the final say. The angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. King Sennacherib himself was assassinated by his own sons.

Prayer

Dear God, You have given us the vision of waters breaking forth in the wilderness and streams flowing in the desert. We want these healing waters to flow in the areas that are dry in our lives. We welcome and receive Your rejuvenation and refreshment, which will quench our thirst and help us to bear fruit again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.