Prophecy Fulfilled in You
Nov 19 2024 - Eric Buresh
As I continue to meditate on the nature of eternal life, I’d like us to consider a prophecy that stirs the soul and lifts the weary heart. In Isaiah 35, the prophet foresees a time of renewal—a time when wilderness places blossom and the weak are made strong. It is a vision of salvation, healing, and restoration which Jesus Christ alone fulfills as He noted in Luke 7:18-23 and Matthew 11:4-5.
Isaiah begins by describing a barren land that springs to life. “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom.” Jesus is the water of life, and where He is received, even the deserts of the soul bloom. This is a personal prophecy -- Christ came to bring life to you and me. Recall how He touched you: you were blind and received sight, you were the spiritually poor having the gospel preached to you. When Jesus came to you, a barren soul found life and a hopeless heart received new joy.
The prophecy speaks of “the lame man [leaping] like a deer, and the tongue of the mute [singing] for joy.” When Christ entered the world, He unleashed a power that brought movement to paralyzed souls, including yours and mine, giving us new life when we were previously bound by sin. We were lame, but now we leap for joy because Christ released the fetters of our sin and brought freedom to our souls. He loosened our mute tongues to praise His name and caused the wilderness of our hearts to bloom with a confident hope.
Isaiah also sees “waters breaking forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.” Christ is our fountain of living water, and in Him, our most desolate places are refreshed. This living water quenches our spiritual thirst and the thirst of all those who seek meaning in Christ, and who long for His love and truth. Where there was once only dry ground, we are now rivers of grace. Indeed, has He not said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink”?
Isaiah 35 is not simply a promise for Israel; it is a promise for you and me and every soul in need of salvation. It is probably better said that Christ fulfills this prophecy entirely, and He brings that fulfillment in us. Today, He calls us to come to Him, that our barrenness may turn to beauty and our deserts to streams. Do not remain in the wilderness. Come ever nearer to Him who gives life. Trust Christ, the One who makes all things new, for in Him, every promise is “yes and amen.” He is faithful and He will fulfill this prophecy in everyone who puts their trust in His name.
Let us be thankful, for Christ has come, and He has brought Isaiah’s prophecy to pass! Now, we can enter this joy and live in the fullness of His promised eternal life.