Introduction

Good morning, family! Today we will be diving deep into the glorious message of redemption, the promise of a new Jerusalem, and the blessing of walking with the Lord, as found in the prophetic book of Isaiah. Our guide will be Isaiah 35:9, which says, "No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there."

Isn't that a wonderful promise? To be part of the redeemed, walking in a place of peace, safety, and joy, with no fear of harm. It reminds me of something Charles Spurgeon once said, "The Lord's mercy often rides to the door of our hearts on the black horse of affliction. Jesus uses the whole range of our experiences to wean us from earth and woo us to Heaven."

The Joy of Redemption

The joy of redemption is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, and particularly in the book of Isaiah. It is a joy that transcends human understanding, a joy that springs from the very heart of God's love for us. It is a joy that is not dependent on our circumstances, but on the unchanging nature of God's grace and mercy.

Redemption, in its simplest form, is the act of buying back something that was lost. In the biblical context, it refers to God's act of saving humanity from sin and death through the sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ. This act of redemption is the cornerstone of our faith and the source of our joy.

The joy of redemption is first and foremost a joy of liberation. It is the joy of being set free from the bondage of sin and death, of being released from the chains that held us captive. This liberation is not just a one-time event, but a continuous process. Every day, we experience the joy of redemption as we are freed from the power of sin and enabled to live in the freedom of God's grace.

The joy of redemption is also a joy of transformation. It is the joy of being changed from the inside out, of being made new in Christ. This transformation is not just a superficial change, but a deep, radical change that affects every aspect of our lives. It is a change that brings us into alignment with God's will and purposes, a change that enables us to live a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The joy of redemption is also a joy of restoration. It is the joy of being restored to a right relationship with God, of being brought back into fellowship with Him. This restoration is not just a return to a previous state, but a restoration to a state of wholeness and completeness. It is a restoration that heals our brokenness, mends our wounds, and fills our emptiness with God's love and grace.

The joy of redemption is also a joy of anticipation. It is the joy of looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises, of anticipating the coming of His kingdom. This anticipation is not just a passive waiting, but an active preparation. It is a preparation that involves living a life of righteousness and holiness, a life that reflects the values and priorities of God's kingdom.

The joy of redemption is a joy that is available to all, regardless of our past mistakes or present circumstances. It is a joy that is based on God's unconditional love for us, a love that is willing to forgive, heal, restore, and transform. It is a joy that is rooted in the hope of eternal life, a hope that is anchored in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Promise of a New Jerusalem

The Promise of a New Jerusalem represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His people, a place of perfect peace, joy, and righteousness where God Himself dwells with His people ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO