Isaiah 35:1-10

The Return of the King is Good News.

Most of this passage looks ahead to Christ's second advent (in fact, all of it could be descriptive of that time), however some of it is predictive of his first advent. Verses five and six particularly are the passages Jesus referenced about himself when confronted by John's disciples in Luke 7.

As those living between the first and second advent, we may be especially encouraged because we know that what he has already began to fulfill, he will most certainly complete.

The Return of the King is Good News!

1. For the earth.
His creation, which has been abused and destroyed by mankind, will be restored to its original state of completeness and ideal functionality.

• wilderness and desert will no longer be wastelands (while this is partly descriptive of the middle east climate in which Isaiah lived, there is a deeper meaning in that those whose souls are parched and desolate will be nourished and become fruitful)
  
• all lands will have ample water supplies (in John, Jesus references the Spirit when He talks about the river of life that will come from Him. Not only will creation be given the water it so desperately needs, we are given the Spirit as the sustaining force behind our lives)

2. For the underprivileged.
The Gospel is always good news for those who get little good news. It flattens the landscape and creates an equal playing field. While some may be oppressed by men, none are shown favoritism by God.

• this news strengthens tired hands... those who have worked long without results, are strengthened to go on.
• this news encourages weak knees... those whose lives are collapsing are held up
• this news emboldens the fearful... those who are afraid to follow God are convinced of their future. Fear is destroyed when we realize that "God is coming to destroy your enemies...to save you" (vs.4)

3. For the ransomed.
The best news of all is that those of us who are sinners have been purchased out of our deserved punishment, and can look forward to the return of our great Savior. (the reverse is sadly true. the coming of the king is bad news for those who continue in their evil ways)

• We will forever be in the presence of God (the very thing for which we were created. there is no more longing when you have the one thing which you have always needed)
• Sorrow and mourning are replaced with joy and gladness (the difficulty of life will be quickly forgotten as we drown in glory of God)