Isaiah 35:8-10 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it… I. THE KING'S HIGHWAY IS A PLAINLY MARKED ROAD. In the Bible we have an accurate map of the country and all its roads. From first page to last, one name is conspicuous — Jesus Christ. 1. There is the great Patriarchal road; travelled by Adam; in bad repair in Noah's time; a broad way of promises to Abram, who travelled along it out of Ur; broader still to his children. 2. Then there is the great Mosaic road. Great pains taken to make it a good road; scores of workmen, called laws, upon it; hedges of immense height to keep people from the dangerous jungles of heathendom. Sign-posts everywhere. Most people murmured at it as rough or steep. But some, like Moses and Aaron, and Caleb and Joshua, saw "Christ" written up all along the way; upon their sacred buildings and altars; upon their religious teachers; even upon the garments of the people. 3. By and by the road widened into the great Prophetical road. David and Solomon, Isaiah and Jeremiah, and others, repaired the road. But after their time the road was sadly neglected. Few were found upon it. The fences were broken, and the people wandered in by-paths, until things became so bad that it seemed as though the road would be shut up altogether. 4. But "suddenly" (Malachi 3:1) the King sent and put it into a thorough state of repair, so that it was like a new road, and it was called "the new and living way"; and though very rugged and narrow at times, it has always,, been kept open until this day. II. THIS HIGHWAY IS "THE WAY OF HOLINESS." It leads to God. They who travel along it bear His image. Dwelt in, and led by the Holy Ghost, they exercise themselves to have always a conscience void of offence, so that men can see that they walk holily, justly, and unblameably. III. THIS HIGHWAY IS A SAFE WAY. "The wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." IV. THIS HIGHWAY IS A WAY OF JOY. "The ransomed of the Lord shall return," &c. The captives of Babylon, concerning whom this was primarily written, rejoiced because they had passed through the wilderness, and had survived the dangers of that journey; because they were re-instated in their former home, and the smile of God once more rested upon them. And we, — delivered from wrath, cleansed from sin, returned from banishment, restored to our proper home in the heart of God, dwelling in peace and safety as members of His household, the church, — have not we abundant cause for rejoicing? (W. J. Chapman, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. |
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