Contributor: Tobi Morakinyo

INTRODUCTION
This study is a continuation of a prophecy by Isaiah about two events of the end times starting from chapter 34 studied last week which was about the judgment of God and the consequent catastrophe during the Great Tribulation period.
Chapter 35 however talks about the blessings that will come to the world when Jesus returns to reign upon the earth together with the raptured saints for one thousand years (Rev. 20:1- 6) in what is known as the Millennial reign or Millennial Kingdom. It would be a time of peace, righteousness, and restoration. During this period, Satan will be bound and unable to deceive the nations.
This study will delve into the specific nature of God's restoration for the regathered Israel during this kingdom and examine the spiritual infrastructure known as the Highway of Holiness.

THE CHARACTERISTIC OF GOD’S RESTORATION FOR THE REGATHERED ISRAEL
After the devastating tribulation period, Jesus Christ and the Saints will come back to Earth. Isaiah chapter 35 vividly describes the prophesied restoration of both the physical world and the people of God during the millennial reign of the Lord. The prophecy specifically highlights three areas where this restoration will occur:

1. Restoration Land And The Glory Of Cities (Verses 1-2,7)
(vs. 1&2) The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing. 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. 

(vs.7) And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water:
in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

Isaiah 34:9-15 describes the desolation that will befall Edom, symbolizing a proud nation opposed to God, leading it to become a "Land of Nothing." However, in contrast, after God's judgment is lifted and His Kingdom is established, the once deserted and ruined land and cities will undergo a remarkable transformation. Instead of desolation, there will be joy, rejoicing, and abundant growth, likened to the blossoming of a rose. This flourishing will be widespread, with biodiversity restored to previously barren places, resulting in great joy and singing. This imagery represents a complete and joyful renewal, where life emerges and fills the once barren land. The glory of cities such as Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon will also be restored (Zech 11:1-2; Isaiah 60:13; Ps. 92:12).

Practical applications for daily life
The terror of the Lord is real, but so is His plan for restoration. No matter the challenges you may be facing, may be likened to a wilderness experience, take comfort in knowing that God is coming to bring transformation. He will turn your life around, causing it to flourish abundantly, and fill your heart with rejoicing if you hold on to Him.

2. Restoration Of Physical Health And Vitality (Verses 3-6)
"3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 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.' 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert."

The impending judgment could easily weaken anyone's hands and make their knees feeble. However, considering the magnificent restoration that God will bring about, it is not a time for weakness or hesitation (Hebrews 12:12). Especially for the regathered Israel and surviving believers, God desires them to be strong. After experiencing the horrors of the great tribulation, it is natural for survivors to be filled with fear. However, upon the return of the Lord, fear will dissipate, and a profound faith will be reignited within the hearts of people. The reign of our Lord will be days of miraculous power just like it happened during His ministry, there will be widespread healings and restoration of physical health.

Practical applications for daily life

- Present day believers with weakened hands (lacking in diligent service to the Lord) and feeble knees (struggling to walk closely with the Lord and pray fervently) can find encouragement in this promise. It assures them that they can receive divine strength and spiritual vitality to carry them through the remaining journey of their Christian walk.

- God is never late! When fully trusted, He will surely come and save His people to the uttermost (Hebrew 7:25). In our present trials, we need the strong hope of the LORD to overcome our fearful hearts by the assured confidence that He will come and save.

3. Restoration Of Spiritual Life - The Highway Of Holiness (Verses 8-10)
"8 A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; it shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there, 10 and the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

The "highway of Holiness" symbolizes a path of holiness, righteousness, and obedience to God. During the millennial kingdom, holiness will prevail due to the righteous reign and the binding of Satan, limiting his corrupting influence. Consequently, the majority of those living in the millennial kingdom will be saved, although a rebellion may occur among those who are not truly saved towards the end of the Millennium. The highway of holiness has three important characteristics.

1. (vs.8) The highway of holiness is a is a place of holiness, a path exclusively for the righteous; the unclean and wicked fools are not welcome. The way of holiness is made possible solely through Christ, who, in exchange for our sins, offers His perfect righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

2. (vs.9) The highway of holiness is a place of safety, set apart for the redeemed of the Lord. It represents the safety and protection that God's people will find on this path without the fear of lions and ravenous beasts. The redeemed of the Lord will walk there in peace and safety.

3. (vs 10) The highway of holiness will be a place of joy. The path of holiness will be filled with indescribable joy, as the joy of the Lord becomes the strength of His people. All those who have been redeemed by the Lord will enter the millennial kingdom with great rejoicing.

Practical applications for daily life
Hebrews 12:14 states that "Without holiness, no one can see the Lord." In order to partake in Christ's millennial kingdom and reign with Him, we must make it our aim to live our lives on the path of holiness. Embracing a lifestyle of holiness not only ensures our participation in Christ's reign but also guarantees us safety, security, peace, and an overwhelming sense of joy. Although the road may sometimes feel lonely and narrow, we can be assured of a safe landing.

CONCLUSION
Isaiah 35 is a prophecy of hope, restoration, and transformation following the destruction in the preceding chapter. It about the characteristics of the millennial kingdom when God will bring about remarkable changes, both in the physical world and in the hearts of people. The highway of Holiness represents a path of righteousness and obedience to God, where the redeemed will walk in safety and joy. Overall, it reminds us that God's promises of renewal and abundant life are certain, and that He has the power to bring about a glorious transformation in our lives. It encourages us to place our trust in God, knowing that He will guide us on the path of holiness and lead us to a place of everlasting joy.