The Way of Holiness

Today in my hand I hold a little pamphlet put out by my denomination, the Reformed Church in America. It is called "at home in the word" and is a series of lectionary readings for Advent. I thought that I would follow it for a bit as I prefer to consider my own readings of scripture rather than to be reading some of the nonsense one finds on-line sometimes. :) At least we'll see how it goes. :)

Anyways, today's reading comes from Isaiah 35:8-10.

8 And a highway shall be there,
and it shall be called the Way of Holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it.
It shall belong to those who walk on the way;
even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.
9No lion shall be there,
nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;
they 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;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Okay, this was a bit confusing until I went back to the first of the chapter. This reading was a continuation of the day before. In the previous verses, the people of God are being reminded of the fact that will make things better again for them.

4Say to those who have an anxious heart,
"Be strong; fear not!
Behold, your God
will come with vengeance,
with the recompense of God.
He will come and save you."

And these verses continue that theme. God will make things right again for those who walk in the Way of Holiness. The Way of Holiness is for those who are redeemed, who walk in they way (even if they are foolish), and who are ransomed of God. It is the place where the redeemed (those who believe in God wholly) can be found.

10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Hmm....Just look at what I can look forward to!
Just look at the promises...even the foolish.... if they believe in God, won't stray from the path. it's there, it's set just for us.
A place where we are protected and kept from harm.
A place of singing and rejoicing.
A place that leads me to Zion where I shall obtain gladness and joy and no more sorrow or sighing and so forth.....
Ah...what a place, what a thing to look forward too! :)

Neat isn't it?