Homeward Bound

O. T. #1690  "Homeward Bound"
May 14, 2020
Isaiah 55-Part 3
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of their field shall clap their hands.
 (verse 12)

LET IT GLOW

We lived away from our families for 17 years. I remember those trips back; we were homeward bound. They were filled with joy, for we were going home where love and peace and acceptance awaited us. We all needed that assurance. Being filled with such, we were able to return into the world of ministry, which can be quite difficult at times. And so it is with us now. When we get together with family, what joy there is in our hearts!

The Word of God brings life wherever it lands. It announces His salvation to mankind.

His plan defies human logic; He knows what He is doing. (Swindoll)

When the Jews were homeward bound, they had to go through desert coming from Babylon (modern Turkey).
What was this difficult journey going to be like for the returnees after 70 years in bondage?

• They will go out with joy (glee, exceedingly gladness, pleasure, rejoicing). When there is joy in our life, don't we naturally begin singing? Joy is mentioned 28 times by Isaiah. God knew His people would need reassuring that there would once again be joy for them, after slavery.
• They will be led forth with peace (happy, welfare, rest, safety)
• The mountains and hills will break forth in singing.
• All the trees of the field shall clap their hands, keeping time with the music.

The desert through which they pass is transformed into a memorial garden commemorating the Lord's victory over His foes. It remain in its transformed state for all time to come. (The Broadman Bible Commentary)

Since we have been inside for a couple of months, and our schedule has been completely changed, I think we will go out with joy. We will be able to sit in restaurants to eat, go watch a movie, attend ball games, and go shopping at our leisure. What a day that will be!

LET IT GROW

There are a couple of insteads in verse 13:

• Instead of the thorn, there will be fir trees;
• instead of briers, there will be myrtle trees.

These will be a reverse of the curse, testifying the Lord's redemption. The evidence of salvation will be a fruitful tree, as opposed to a thorn or brier being produced. We will know the saved by their fruits (Matthew 7:16-20).

Such a productive and fruitful life shall stand as a name and an everlasting sign, and it shall not be cut off (destroyed because it is indestructible). The name is that designation which God shall give to His people; it shall never be blotted out, and they themselves who are the receptacles of His everlasting life shall remain as a miraculous sign of His grace for all eternity. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

True Christians cannot loose their salvation, for we are sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ.

Here are 4 vital truths form this chapter, according to Broadman Bible Commentary:

1. God alone can satisfy the deep inner needs of the human spirit.
2. Israel's true destiny to be a witness to the nations can only be realized as she herself returns to God.
3. The day of redemption has drawn near and the time of response is now.
4. God is faithful to His promises and His Word never fails.

The greatness of God's salvation and grace will have tremendous effects on the earth in the millennial kingdom. The plague of the world after Adam and Eve sinned will be replaced by plants of beauty and usefulness. (Tony Evans)

Will we break out into singing because of the redemption of Jesus?

When love broke through, it found me in the darkness, wandering through the desert. I was a hopeless fool. Now I am hopelessly devoted; my chains are broken. And it all began with You, when love broke through. Thank You, Jesus for Your love and salvation.

Folks, we are homeward bound-heaven. Isn't that something to sing about?

LET IT GO

Bring our guilt and shame. That is not our name. I hear a voice who calls me redeemed. Greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world.

Jesus, You have made us overcomers because You overcame the world and sin and evil and death.
Glory to You!