Encouragement In The Desert Series

Sermon: Encouragement In the Desert

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10 (21st Century King James Version)

”The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon; they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. 3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; 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 shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. 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. 8 And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for those; the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. 9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon; 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 songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

Introduction: Isaiah fully understood Israel’s pilgrimage as God’s special people in a world gone wild. Yet He promises that there will be rest for the weary. In spiritual deserts, we wonder if God is with us or if He is simply a mirage. Yet Scripture shows us that no matter where God’s people find themselves—in battle or prison, in valley or wilderness—one thing is true: God is faithful.

All the prophecies of Isaiah are precious and should be read by us constantly in private and in public. Here Isaiah gives a very wonderful description of the earthly pilgrimage to heaven, and the joyful march of the saints. The saints of God are oftentimes despised, oppressed and mistreated by this world. There will come a time when the people of God shall be known to be the greatest blessings to men. The church in the world has been a blessing to every part of society. Their presence and influence can be seen in many of the leading hospitals and educational institutions all over the world. Even though the church has already been a blessing in a measure, but better days are in store.

Every Spiritual blessing in heavenly things has been given to the believer in Christ Jesus, and through the church shall all men see the glory of God in the earth. Even though these things are true, Isaiah gives a glimpse of the glorious future of those who live right in a wrong world. It is great encouragement to know that our labor is not in vain. God has not deserted us to suffer abuse, trials, and persecution with no end in sight. God hears our prayers, sees our struggles, and will come to our rescue. God knows how to execute vengeance on our enemies. Those who trust in God, at times may be weak and afraid. We can be assured that God will come and save us. What comfort and encouragement are these words of prophecy!

Isaiah gives this prophecy knowing about the advance of the Assyrians, the coming destruction at the hand of Babylonians, and their personal trials of frailty and fear the people of God are facing. Yet he looks to the future God has planned for His People. Some see this prophecy as a view of Israel of old, others see it as a view of the Church in this present world, some see it as a view the millennial reign of Christ in the coming world. I know there are different opinions about this prophecy. Let me remind us that there will be no deserts in Heaven, No lion, nor any ravenous beast, no unproductivity or lack. Even though the prophecy may cover all the above views, I believe this prophecy is for those in a barren, unproductive place, being despised and persecuted with little hope. The people going through difficulties are the ones needing encouragement. So, be encouraged! How???

1. Be Encouraged By God’s Word. Encouragement In the desert come through seeing the success of God’s Word. The miracles we see around us attest to the power of the Gospel. We might not presently serve a large congregation or enjoy many riches of this world, yet when single person comes to God, we see a miracle. These shall be more abundantly multiplied in the golden age, which is on its way. Believers know what these miracles mean, for they have experienced them in their salvation story, gracious miracles in the ministry of Jesus, and in God supplying their needs and wants daily. Through the word God gives them, they experience "streams in the desert." Salvation brings hope to desolate places and hearts. Through the power of the word, deliverance comes, people abandon the unclean for the clean, emptiness is replaced by fulness, and evil is replaced with goodness. Through divine grace of God, deserts become fruitful in every good work. As we share God’s word, the Lord opens the way of grace for every soul. Faith in Christ provides salvation from sin, its wages and penalty. Then salvation gives protection from Satan, and every foe he sends. Are we travelling this sacred road yet? Those who are, are redeemed by blood of Jesus and are striving after holiness. Those who love sin cannot be journeying to heaven. How thankful we ought to be that the road to heaven is available for all. How glad we ought to be that we have forsaken our sin, received Christ by faith and are walking in the way of life. The way is plain which means it is a well-worn path that can easily be recognized. Even the foolish can find it.