Isaiah 35

Isaiah 35
Hope for Restoration

Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon
As lovely as Mount Carmel on the plain of Sharon
There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God

With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands
And encourage those who have weak knees
Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong and do not fear
For your God is coming to destroy your enemies
He is coming to save you

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of
The blind and unplug the ears of the deaf
The lame will leap like a deer, and
Those who cannot speak will sing for joy

Springs will gush forth in the wilderness
And streams will water the wasteland
The parched ground will become a pool, and
Springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land
Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish
Where desert jackals once lived

And a great road will go through that once-deserted land
It will be named "The Highway of Holiness."
Evil-minded people will never travel on it
It will be only for those who walk in God's ways
Fools will never walk there
Lions will not lurk along its course
Nor any other ferocious beasts
There will be no other dangers
Only the redeemed will walk on it

Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return
They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy
Sorrow and mourning will disappear
And they will be filled with joy and gladness