This is the eighth in a 14-week devotion series on the theme of resting, originally written for the Bible Society Australia. Join us as we visit texts that remind us of God’s character. As we rest in the truths of who he is, what he has done, what he promises to continue to provide, and the certainty of our hope, we will find rest and strength for our souls.
In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.
Isaiah 11:10
There will be a highway for the remnant of his people….
Isaiah 11:16
In the 11th chapter of his prophecy, Isaiah paints a glorious picture of hope. The picture painted is one where enmity is replaced with peace, fighting with play, terror with safety. This is what our final resting place will look like. It will be glorious.
Just as the Lord God provided a highway for his people out of Egypt, he will do so again with this new act of deliverance. A highway is a road that is straight, wide, and safe. Highways will take you the most direct route to your destination and you don’t need to worry about navigating dangerous curves or not being able to see what lies ahead.
Isaiah speaks of the Root of Jesse who is coming to rescue God’s people. We know that the one who fulfils these words is Jesus, the Son of God, who was also descended from the family line of Jesse.
Towards the end of Luke’s gospel, we read of two of Jesus’ disciples walking together from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. They had heard news that the body of their beloved friend, Jesus, which had been placed in a tomb and sealed, had vanished. They are joined by a stranger who listens to them speak about this event and then opens the Scriptures and explains the prophecies, including Isaiah, about what was said about himself.
After they shared a meal, they suddenly recognise that this is no stranger but the risen Lord Jesus.
Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?
Luke 24:32
God’s promised redemption has come. The way is open and clear, just like a highway. The destination is glorious.
Loving Father, thank you for opening the way for our salvation. Thank you that as we journey through life, we have a wise companion who walks beside us. May our hearts burn within us as we listen and obey the words of our Saviour. Fill us with joy and gladness, knowing that one day, we will reach that destination and it will be glorious. Amen
