Tuesday, December 13, 2016
THE GOSPEL--OUR OASIS ON THE ROAD TO HEAVEN (2)
Isaiah 35:2ff "…The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the excellency of our God…."
FORESHADOWING LANDMARKS
The prophet speaks in geographical language which God's exiled people would understand. Back in the day, Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon were natural landmarks. Lofty, sweet smelling cedar trees filled the mountain range of Lebanon. Mount Carmel was famous for its majestic splendor, not unlike the Grand Tetons of Wyoming. The valleys of Sharon were unmatched for their lush vegetation.
The Holy Spirit inspired the prophet to refer to such picturesque locations as a foreshadowing of the "excellency of our God"--that is, the glory of the coming age of the Messiah!
As their forefathers had been freed from bondage in Egypt, so these exiles would be freed from the Assyrian captivity. And more than that--their long-awaited Messiah would come to save them from all ills of body or soul, as the next verses relate: "Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, 'Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you'" (vv. 3-4).
Fellow exiles, be strong, do not fear, your God will come and save you--hang on tightly to the Promise of the coming Deliverer!
He shall come down like showers Upon the fruitful earth;
Love, joy, and hope, like flowers, Spring in His path to birth.
Before Him on the mountains Shall peace, the herald, go;
And righteousness in fountains From hill to valley flow.
(Lutheran Service Book, 398:3)
