Promises Kept

Introduction

When we think about Summer to Fall.

Green leaves to Orange and Red.

Decorations begin going up, scarecrows and pumpkins strewn across our yards.

Dramatic shifts from one scene to another.

Life has these dramatic shifts, changes which occur.

For some, it is the beginning or end of a relationship.

Maybe when a new baby enters your family.

It could be a job change.

Or, it could be a diagnosis, or the loss of a loved one.

Life is filled with dramatic shifts.

God had brought about judgment in the preceding chapters on the rebellious nations.

That included the rebellious people of Israel.

Israel had experienced the dramatic shift of discipline.

Chapter 34 is the telling of God’s turning the beauty and abundance of rebellious nations into desert wastelands.

Chapter 35 stands in stark contrast to the previous chapter.

There is a dramatic shift from judgment to life.

God’s message is one of Promises Kept to His people.

Just as things can shift quickly from blessing to hardship, God’s promises are secure for His people that He provides rescue.

This morning we will look at the promises that God not only makes, but that He is certain to keep.

You Can Have The Promise Of Life

vv. 1-4

“Wilderness and dry land” from ch. 34, now they will rejoice!

The crocus is a plant that is known for its survival in desert climates, just a little bit of rain causes them to blossom.

This dry land will resemble Lebanon and the Plains of Sharon at the foot of Mt. Carmel.

These were areas known for their abundance of beauty and fertility.

All because of the presence of God (end of v. 2).

Where God is, there is life.

Related to the creation story. Water = chaos. Then the Spirit of God hovers over it.

God was present in creation and it brought about life.

This brings about the transformation in the people of vv. 3-4.

Those who are experiencing despair (weary hands = throwing your hands up).

When you get to the moment where you don’t know what to do and you want to give up...

Find strength in God’s deliverance.

Where do we look for this deliverance, this life?

It’s right here in the text...

“He will come and save you.”

Save = yshu. The very name of Jesus.

Jesus is the life.

John 14:6 ESV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

In times of hardship, we can trust in Jesus for Saving work on the cross and His resurrection.

You Can Have The Promise Of Salvation

vv. 5-7

The blind and the deaf and the lame and the mute = spiritual condition.

All the ways that we are spiritually dead, God reverses.

All the ways that the land is parched (so hot it is burned).

This shows that

Salvation brings about transformation.

God’s message is that no matter how filled with despair your life is, He can give you purpose and meaning.

You may look at your life and feel that dry, emptiness.

You may be wondering if there is meaning in this life.

You may be wondering if there is anything bigger than you out there.

Is there a God?

Can I just assure you today that there is a God.

God knows your name. God loves you.

God wants to take your life, regardless of how dry and empty it is, and He wants to give you purpose.

You Can Have The Promise Of The Way

vv. 8-10

This appearance of a highway - specifically called “The way of holiness.”

What will this road be like?

First, who travels on it?

Not the unclean nor the fools.

Those that would lead others astray.

It will be safe from predators.

“Lions and ravenous beasts” were a common threat on the roads.

But they would all be gone.

All these things are gone, and they will be replaced with what is in v. 10.

This is the hope of the fulfillment of our faith.

Threats will be replaced with the faithful!

The ransomed! Those who have been purchased out of captivity.

Scripture promises to us that there would be a time when we would no longer be on this pilgrimage.

Eventually we will get to the end.

Jesus gives us peace.

We experience this peace in part for now.

But, in eternity, we experience peace without any possibility of pain.

We live in a fallen world, corrupted and infected by sin.

But, God promises that in the end, the way leads to restoration.

Conclusion

There is hope for you.

Maybe you’ve strayed far from God and you doubt God could love someone “like me.”

He does.

Maybe you grew up in church but you’ve walked away. I’m so thankful you are here today.

God still loves you and has a plan for you.

Even when you think you’re done with God, He’s not done with you.

God still loves you.

God invites you to accept His promises.