The Messianic Age

Isaiah 35:1-10 (December 14, 2025)

Hello Everyone! I am glad that you are all here this morning to worship God as a family. 

Sometimes, as you read, a story can take an abrupt turn. A long-standing, dark situation suddenly brightens with a ray of hope, completely transforming the outlook. Isaiah 35 is one such example.

Isaiah 35 paints a picture of complete freedom and transformation. It's like a turning point in the prophet's writings, shifting from scenes of chaos and God's judgment against the nations (like in Isaiah 34) to messages of hope and encouragement. 

Thus, let's take a moment to reflect on one of the most amazing promises in the Bible - a vision that's so incredible, it's hard to believe it's true!

As a matter of fact, Isaiah 35 is like a masterful work of art, describing what life will be like when the Messianic Kingdom arrives. While some of this vision has already been seen in history and even in Jesus' first coming, chapter 35 is primarily about what's still to come - a future where God's Kingdom is fully established.

By the way, our focus today is all about Transformation. In Isaiah 35, God promises to break the curse, restore the earth, bring hope back to those who thought all was lost, and give His people a life of perfect joy forever. We'll explore this amazing age of transformation through three lenses:

• The earth will be transformed from desolate to beautiful
• People's lives will change from broken to whole
• God will secure a safe path for His followers that will last forever

 

I. The Physical Promise: Creation Restored (Isaiah 35:1-2)

God's plan is incredible - it's not just about saving souls, but also about fixing the entire world that He created. The prophecy in Isaiah 35 shows us a radical transformation of the natural world, undoing the damage caused by sin.

Imagine a place where everything feels empty and hopeless - like the desert or wilderness. These places are usually symbols of hardship and sin's consequences. But in the Messianic Kingdom, God promises that even these desolate areas will be transformed into beautiful gardens, "like the crocus or rose" (Isaiah 35:2).

This transformation is immediate and complete. The barren land will suddenly become lush and fertile, like a perfectly manicured garden. And it's not just about making things better - it's a total renovation of the earth itself.

A Real Promise: Abundant Water

One of the most amazing signs of this new world is the abundance of water. In the prophecy, we see that streams and springs will burst forth in the desert, providing life-giving water to those who need it. This promise speaks directly to our deepest longings for hope and satisfaction.

Think about times when you've felt like you're chasing an illusion - a mirage of success or happiness that disappears as soon as you get close. Isaiah's promise is that when the Messianic Kingdom arrives, these empty dreams will be replaced by real, lasting provision. The earth itself will "see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God" (Isaiah 35:2), and creation will be restored to its original beauty.

Brothers and sisters, where are your own sharab (mirage) moments in your lives? Where have you been chasing illusions instead of finding true satisfaction? Isaiah's promise is that in the Messianic Kingdom, those empty longings will be replaced by genuine joy and unending provision.\

 

II. The Personal Promise: Strength and Salvation (Isaiah 35:3-6)

Before we can experience the beauty of a restored world, we need to address the fear that's holding us back. Isaiah 35 doesn't just describe what the future will look like - it also gives us a call to action and encouragement.

The prophecy tells us to come together as a community and support one another: "Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees" (Isaiah 35:3). This is a reminder that we're not alone in our fears. We all have doubts and worries, but God wants us to be strong and courageous.

The reason for this command is simple: "Your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you" (Isaiah 35:4). When God shows up, justice will be served, and we'll experience true salvation. This isn't about God's anger or revenge - it's about righting wrongs and delivering us from our troubles.

Seeing the Power of God

When God comes to save, incredible things happen. The prophet says that "the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy" (Isaiah 35:6).

These physical healings are amazing, but they also represent spiritual renewal. When we experience God's power in our lives, it can be a "foretaste" or a "sample" of what's to come.

Jesus Himself pointed to these signs when He healed people and said, "This is the fulfillment of Isaiah (35)" (Matthew 12:17, 13:14). His healing ministry was proof that the future Kingdom is real, and we're not just waiting for some distant event - we're experiencing God's power in our lives right now.

When you see God work a miracle in your life, it's not just a coincidence. It's a reminder that He's trustworthy and powerful, and that the full restoration promised in Isaiah 35 is on its way. The presence of His grace in our lives today is evidence of the guarantee of glory to come.

 

III. The Path of Purity: The Highway of Holiness (Isaiah 35:7-9)

The amazing transformation of the land and the incredible healing of people all lead to one ultimate destination: the safe return of God's redeemed people to Jerusalem (Zion). And this journey is made possible by the establishment of the Highway of Holiness, a new and triumphant way back home.

Imagine a clear, raised road - like a king's causeway - that leads directly to Zion. This path is characterized by three amazing features:

Exclusivity and Purity: Only those who are pure and holy can walk this highway. The prophecy says that "the unclean shall not pass over it" (Isaiah 35:8), emphasizing the importance of holiness in our relationship with God.

Absolute Safety: The path is secure from all dangers and enemies. Isaiah promises that "no lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up thereon" (Isaiah 35:9). In a world filled with spiritual predators and threats, God's people will find safety on this road.

Inclusivity for the Redeemed: While only the holy can walk this road, their holiness is achieved through God's work, not just their own efforts. This road is specifically for those who have been redeemed by God's sacrifice (Isaiah 35:9).

Finding Our Way

One of the most comforting aspects of the Highway of Holiness is its clarity. The prophecy assures us that "no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray" (Isaiah 35:8). We all get lost sometimes - spiritually speaking. But in the Messianic Age, the way of truth and duty will be so plain that even those who are simple or morally challenged won't miss it.

Friends, don't be discouraged by your own spiritual confusion. Isaiah's prophecy reminds us that God's plan is to guide us, not leave us lost. Trust in the Gospel - the fundamental truths of our faith - and know that they will guide you on your journey. The path may seem uncertain sometimes, but with God's help, we'll always find our way home. Amen?

 

IV. The Final Destination: Everlasting Joy (Isaiah 35:10)

The vision of transformation ends with a picture of perpetual happiness and absolute security. The final destination of the ransomed is Everlasting Joy, where they will return to Zion with songs, celebrating their full restoration.

Their joy is not fleeting; it's "everlasting joy upon their heads" (Isaiah 35:10), symbolizing a crown or a perpetual state of gladness. Their happiness is secured and permanent.

And the ultimate promise that we all crave in times of tribulation is this: "sorrow and sighing shall flee away" forever (Isaiah 35:10). Brothers and sisters, think about everything that weighs you down - chronic pain, deep disappointment, unresolved grief, anxiety. The final assurance supports God's people in present calamities, knowing that all their troubles will end in the future kingdom.

We live currently in the tension of the "already and not yet." We've already seen the foretaste of God's power in Christ's miracles and our own personal deliverances, confirming His trustworthiness. But we have not yet seen the full, marvelous restoration of the land, the total physical healing of the people, and the perpetual, crowning joy. That awaits the future coming of the Messiah and the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom.

Living in Hope

We're called to live like people who have tasted the water of real pools, knowing that the sharab of this world cannot satisfy us. We're called to strengthen our weak hands, standing firm against fear, knowing that the greatest deliverance is assured. We're called to walk in holiness and simplicity, knowing that the safe and clear Highway of Holiness awaits the redeemed.

The Messianic Age is the hope of heaven impacting our reality now. It guarantees that the journey through this wilderness will end, not in disappointment, but in the overwhelming, perpetual, and communal joy of God's presence.

Hold Fast to Hope

Let us hold fast to this magnificent vision of transformation and deliverance in Isaiah 35. Our struggles today are temporary; our promised joy is everlasting. The sorrows we bear now are just shadows compared to the glory that will be revealed when God establishes His kingdom.

May the foretaste we receive today strengthen our faith, enabling us to walk the path of the redeemed with confidence. Be encouraged, for the Lord comes to save you. The total deliverance is certain, the dramatic transformation is promised, and the communal joy will be forever upon our heads.

Trust the promise of the Highway of Holiness (the maslul) - and know that when we reach Zion, sorrow and sighing shall flee away completely. Amen.

 

Message Prayer:

Almighty God, grant us strength today to face our fears, remembering Your coming deliverance and salvation. Keep us firmly upon Your Holy Way until we reach Zion, where, crowned with perpetual joy, sorrow and sighing forever flee away. In the name of Jesus, the Messiah, we pray. Amen.