TRAVELING THE HEAVENLY HIGHWAY

ISAIAH 35:1-10

INTRODUCTION

Isaiah is serving God in a difficult day. The people of Judah had turned their backs on the Lord who had redeemed them. The people were experiencing a terrible chastisement because of their sins. The nation was under attack by the wicked, brutal Assyrians. The people were hopeless just like anyone who turns away from God. In the midst of this difficult hour, Isaiah stands forth as a prophet of hope and comfort. He writes to tell the people that a better day is coming. He seeks to comfort the people by speaking about the coming King and His Kingdom. Isaiah is looking ahead to the millennial Kingdom of the coming Messiah. Isaiah sees a future time of peace, joy and prosperity.

• (V.1) – The desert will bloom like a rose- since 1948, Israel is a green oasis of prosperity and abundant agriculture.
• (V.2)- Lebanon, Carmel and Sharon were the most beautiful places in ancient Israel. These three represents to future beauty in the millennial Kingdom- Restoration.
• (V.3-4)- The people are to comfort themselves with the promise of this coming Kingdom.
• (V.5-6)- those with physical infirmities will enjoy healing and restoration in that day
• (V.6-7)- The deserts and the dry places will be transformed into pools of water and marshes- “ No mirages”

Let us focus on V.8-10, according to this verse, God has redeemed us, restored us and placed our feet on a new road. We are travelling the heavenly highway.

Let us learn:-

I.  IT IS A HIGHWAY (V.8)

• This refers to a “Royal road” in ancient time, powerful Kings would build roadways through the kingdoms.
• This roads were build high above the surrounding land.
• This prevented the Kings progress from being deterred by passing flocks, wild animals or other hindrances.
• These roads were maintained, open, safe, quick way for the king to travel with ease.
• These roads were reserved and not for commoners.
• There was a time of my life when I could not walk this heavenly highway.
• That time my feet were firmly planted in the lower road of life (Eph.2:1-3)
• It was the road to hell and eternal death, but God lifted me up and placed me on the kings highway (Psa.40:1-5)
• My friends, it is a high way and only those who know and love the King can walk on it- Hallelujah.

II.  IT IS A HOLY WAY (V.8)

• This road is called “a way of holiness” it is clean, holy way reserved for the redeemed and delivered from sin.
• This highway is made for “New creatures” in Jesus (2 Cor.5:17)
• The Lord expects His people to be separate (II Cor.6:12, I Thes. 5:22)
• Those who refuse to walk and live a life of holiness will not be permitted to walk in the heavenly way (I John.3:3-4, 15; 3:4-10)
• The “wayfaring men” pilgrims on this road do not always know what lies ahead- the Lord leads the way- so we do not “wander, go astray, stagger and stumble”.
• The “Pilgrims are found always in His word and communication with Him in prayer.

III.  IT IS A HARMLESS WAY(V.9)

• This way of the King is safe way! The lion and ravenous beast are not permitted on this road.
• As long as the pilgrim stays on this highway, he is safe from attacks of those who would destroy him!
• Our enemies are violent, Satan and Satanists are violent, blood drinkers and eaters of flesh (Psa.27:2, 53:4)
• Satan cannot touch those who are walking the King’s highway (I Peter 5:89, James 4:7)
• But when you come off the highway, you become most vulnerable to attack.
• Ask Samson! He will tell you that low living carries a high price!

IV.  IT IS A HEAVENLY WAY (V.10)

• This millennial highway terminates in Zion- to Glory.
• This highway leads home, there is joy and gladness, sorrow and signing will flee away.
• There is a mansion at the end of the way (John 14:1-3)
• There is a glorious city at the end of the way (Rev.21:9-22:5)
• Keep walking this path, do not look for exit- it leads to Heaven.

V.  T IS A HAPPY WAY (V.10)

• The pilgrims on this road come with “Songs and everlasting joy upon their heads”
• The highway at times becomes difficult and the strength of their souls fade away- but they know the highway is the best way- they rejoice because they are allowed to travel that path.
• They experience His peace (Phil.4:7), His Joy (I Peter 1:8) His presence (Heb.13:5) His blessings (Phil.4:19, Matt.6:25-34)

CONCLUSION

• What road are you walking today?
• Are you on the king’s highway? I pray you are.