Isaiah 35 seems to be talking about the Millenium, when Jesus will be reigning in Jerusalem, and Jerusalem will be the center for everyone.

It talks about a highway. Here it is called the Way of Holiness. Holiness means being set apart. We’re holy when we are set apart from the world and to God.

The Way of Holiness takes us away from the world and brings us to God. The paths of righteousness lead us to dwelling with God. This way of holiness is only for those who are clean, who are redeemed, those walking in the Way.

The Way is Jesus. Only in Christ are we redeemed, righteous, pure, and holy. It’s all accomplished for us both by His sacrificial cleansing blood which bought us back from the grave and by His Spirit poured out into us and through us.

We are given life through the gift of His Life and are ransomed out from the pit, from our death sentence. We are rescued. He brings us to Himself with singing and everlasting joy. Our gift of salvation comes with joy and gladness.

With His joy the sorrow and sighing flee away. I would love to say I only experience my everlasting joy and gladness and never the sorrow and sighing, but it’s not true, not yet. What is true, is that when sorrow and sighing come, I can look up ahead and see Jesus saying, “Come with Me,” and the joy and gladness return as I follow Him to the place of freedom and glory.

We can encourage each other, remind each other that God is our Savior! He will take us safely home. He will bring justice. Encourage each other to be strong and to not fear. Strengthen each other’s weak hands and shaky knees. That admonition is repeated in Hebrews. This is a message for New Testament believers.

Encourage one another. Build each other up. Our God is coming for us and is leading us today. We will see His glory in the land of the living. He will wipe away our tears. There is everlasting joy and gladness that’s ours today and forever.