ransomed and redeemed

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

These are the people God has redeemed (Isaiah 35:9) and ransomed. They are led back to Zion, the holy mountain of God’s temple, in a parade of worship along a highway in the desert named “The Way of Holiness” (Isaiah 35:8). The picture is like a second exodus for Israel, coming this time from exile to return forever to the Promised Land and to worship Yahweh after being scattered among the gentiles. The promise of being a people redeemed (bought back by their true Master from a land of slavery) by God should not be overlooked. It is the same language God used to describe Israel when He promised them deliverance from Egypt in Exodus 6:6. This is a loving prophecy of salvation, restoration, and joyful recovery rooted in God’s covenant with Israel.

And when God does the saving, those He has redeemed rejoice. Worship erupts! Even as those delivered saints return up a highway built be God, they sing and shout with joy. Past sorrows are dismissed as a new joy fills their redeemed lives. This is a picture of a people feeling the joy and security of their God-given salvation. And the statement that it is an everlasting joy is prophetic. There is a time still coming for this promise to be fully complete. God has promised a joy that can never be taken away… in a certain future yet to come where sorrow and sighing no longer exist.

Jesus,

You redeemed us. You are our ancient Redeemer. You delivered us from sin’s slavery. You lead us along the Way of Holiness to everlasting joy as we worship You. And one day as Messiah, King of Kings, You will rule Your outrageously joyous kingdom. You will banish death, pain, and sorrow. You are our gladness and all our joy!

Amen