GROUP GUIDE: Isaiah 35

Advent is a long-standing church tradition that reminds us that if we are under

Christ’s righteousness, we experience several “already but not yet” things in this

world, such as Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. In other words, we know that we have

these things in Christ, but when we look at the world around us, it is clear that many people live without Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. However, as Christians, we know that we can live in the world because of the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love found in Christ and His work on the Cross. Advent also reminds us that these things will be ours for eternity. This is a glorious truth. May we remember and celebrate it this holiday season.

As we continue in our Advent series, we took time this week to remind ourselves of

the joy that only comes from being in a relationship with Jesus. It's not uncommon to end the year feeling weary and joyless. We may experience pain and suffering, but our joy doesn’´t come from our circumstances; it comes from Christ.

Nestled between two chapters of judgment and invasion, Isaiah 35 is a chapter overflowing with joy for God's weary people. Even as they are about to experience the pain and consequences of their disobedience and rebellion, God extends a promise to them: it won't always be this way. God's people would "return to Zion."

Something even greater than the return from exile is coming for each of us. The joyful language of Isaiah cannot be limited to the events the author is referencing. There is a deeper promise in these verses: a better hope and a glorious day yet to come.

This promise is fulfilled in Christ; He is our joy. In Christ, we see the glory of God that transforms our lives and makes possible this radical change described in Isaiah 35. In Christ, we can be redeemed from our sinful condition. It is only through Christ that we can walk the path of righteousness because He is our righteousness.

Our circumstances may change during our time here, and we will definitely experience pain and suffering. Our joy is not determined by our circumstances, but is defined in Christ, and He doesn't change. May we rest in Christ.