THE HIGHWAY!

I JUST HEARD FROM GOD TODAY AND HE SAID, "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness." Isaiah 35:8

Tucked away in the Old Testament is the gospel of Isaiah. Throughout his glorious book he attempts to draw a word picture of God's redemptive plan. His intention is to write the 'good news' in an understandable and readable fashion.

In Isaiah 35 he paints a pictures of the dramatic life of growth and abundance that comes to the child of God! In verse one he mentions that the barren life will begin to blossom as a rose. Verse two talks of an abundant life that is filled with joy and singing. How much like what Jesus said when he declared, "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly." [John 10:10]

As you move through verse three you find a strength imparted that we might do the work of God. Also a deepening desire to pray becomes the passion of the child of God. In verse four he banishes fear from our hearts as is suggested in 2 Tim. 1:7 giving us the resources of power, love and a sound mind!

Moving further along in verse five our eyes are opened that we might see the truth of God and our ears are unstopped that we may hear the still small voice of the Spirit. In verse six we see the contagious enthusiasm and radiant joy that grips the heart of God's child. Then in verse seven an ever springing flow of living water transforms every life it touches!

Then Isaiah shows us where to walk in verse eight. He says, "And a highway shall be there." We step upon this highway as we experience the new birth; as we become new creatures in Christ; as we are redeemed by the blood! As we walk in this wonderful highway we are made more and more, conscious of our need of inner cleansing. The ’old man’ of sin rises up in indignation again and again. Finally to compensate for this ’defeating force’ we seek the Lord in a moment of total consecration and He sanctifies our hearts. Remember He saves us from our sins when we are born again and he saves us from ourselves when we are sanctified! At that moment we begin walking on the way of holiness. It is a narrow way and few there be that find it!

Isaiah describes it as a pure way [the unclean shall not pass over it - Verse 8]; He further points out it’s a practical way [wayfaring men - Verse 8] Then we see it is as a plain way [fools shall not err therein - Verse 9]. He says, It is a praise way [The ransomed shall come with songs - Verse 10]. Finally it is a prospective way [Sorrow and sighing shall flee away - Verse 10].

This way is open to all. If you are enjoying the blessing of sins forgiven why not enter the joys of the sanctified life. Remember Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." [Matt. 5:8]

In Jesus;
Rev. W. Scott Lockard

© 2007 Pastor Lockard's Living on the Bright Side Ministries