Highway
Originally scheduled for March 20
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. No 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. 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.
(Isaiah 35:8-10 ESV)
Of all the prophets in the Old Testament Isaiah
is the one with the greatest affinity for what will happen to New
Testament. His writing is often referred to as the “Fifth Gospel.”
Here, in a passage clearly concerning the second coming of Christ,
he portrays a holy Highway .
The word itself describes a military highway, one which is
elevated over its surroundings – making those using the highway
immune to ambush.
We may note three things about this highway.
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It is called the "Way of Holiness."
To journey on it is to be holy.
-
Those on it are holy - because they have
been ransomed/redeemed.
-
The highway has a destination: Zion,
they city of God.
Sound familiar?
“I am the Way…”
Traveling on this highway brings a
blessing to those who journey on it.
It is described as everlasting joy and gladness.
Their reaction to this is – to break into song.
So who walks on this roadway? It’s clear that
one group of people don’t - those were described as “unclean.” In
other words those who do not walk the talk of Christian life. Those
who do walk it are described these ways:
-
·
They
are the holy – the one set apart by God service.
-
·
They
are described as being redeemed and/or ransomed. This is a clear
reference to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. These are the
ones who have accepted the sacrifice which is their atonement.
-
·
In a
very cheerful note, Isaiah tells us that even the fools won’t go
astray. It’s nice to know that you don’t have to be one of the
really cool, super wise people. You just need to be redeemed.
The parallels to communion are quite clear.
Communion is for those who walk the talk; those who do with their
Lord commands. Even the fools are eligible. There is good reason for
this; the definition of fool varies by denomination. Even if you
don’t have the “right” doctrine, you can still be on the Lord’s
highway. What is required is someone has paid the price of your
ransom and secured your redemption. We remember that ransom every
time we partake of communion. We commemorate the body of Christ in
the bread; also the blood of Christ in the cup. Do so in remembrance
of Christ — and the road he has set
us upon.
