And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 33-36:10

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35:10

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I wrap Lesson 13 by moving to Day 5, which focuses on Isaiah 35. My commentary describes this chapter of Isaiah as one being of great hope and encouragement for the faithful as it portrays a messianic prophecy of "[t]he cursed universe restored to God's original purposes."  God created Adam and Eve and the garden, yet the introduction of sin with the Fall broke the unity humanity had with God, and ushered in brokenness in all of its forms, including disease, decay, corruption...the worst of course being death itself.  The commentary describes several divisions:

1. Creation transformed: from sterile desert to fruitful garden (35:1-2)
2. People transformed: from cursed wickedness to blessed strength (35:3-7)
3. The transforming event: "Your God is coming to save you" (35:4)
4. The journey of the transformed: a highway of holiness (35:8-10)
5. The destination of the transformed: glorious Zion (35:10)

This message brought joy to not just Isaiah's audience of the time but to believers today who are groaning as Paul wrote about in Romans 8:

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:20-25

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are a God of hope as You save and You save for eternity!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation - the greatest gift of all time.  Yet me sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.