Yesterday’s chapter was about God’s final judgement of sin at the end of days. Today we read about many blessings upon the land and the ransomed ones (those who accept God’s forgiveness from sin and Jesus as Lord).
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 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. (v5-6, 10)
This chapter is the flip-side of Ch34: as a result of sin, lush land was made desolate to be inhabited by foul creatures; now, as a result of redemption, desolate land becomes lush and foul creatures are banished. Previously the sinful were condemned and cursed; now the forgiven are redeemed and blessed.
One might ask why our God of love wouldn’t redeem and bless everyone. The truth is, He desires to, without exception. He sent Jesus to pay the penalty for all sin for all time, enabling everybody to receive the free gift of redemption. That being said, people have the free will to decline God’s offer of grace, mercy, and forgiveness, and God honors that choice.
No matter what your current circumstances are, God loves you, and Jesus has already pre-paid for your redemption, whether you accept it or not. Though we may struggle with hope or joy in the midst of trial, the blessings and eternal life ahead will far outweigh any past / present suffering. We will still suffer consequences of sin in this life, even when we’re presently redeemed, but we are promised a glorious, pain-free, joyous future in heaven (the ultimate redemption). Let’s encourage each other that the best is yet to come when we freely accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and this present suffering is temporary when we accept Jesus’ sovereignty.
Father God, our Merciful and Gracious Lord, You have blessed us so greatly with redemption through Jesus’ death and resurrection. May we fully embrace Your free gift of forgiveness, anticipate the our future redemption from pain and suffering, and also encourage others that these blessings are equally available to them. May we honor, glorify, praise and obey You with every word and action, setting a Christlike example for all around us, so they too may choose to receive Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training