The redeemed of the Lord shall return

The redeemed of the Lord shall return

Scripture:- Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. Isaiah 51:11

Observation:- This verse is indeed a joyful verse. It is a picture of singing and dancing and everlasting joy, of celebration and gladness. I still remember an old song based on this verse which was sung even in my childhood, and it is a wonderful song, resonating with joy.

Who are the redeemed of the Lord? Literally, it is the people of Israel. Spiritually, all of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior into our hearts are the redeemed. What does redeem mean? It gives the idea of buying back something that was lost or pawned or sold earlier. In the Garden of Eden, when Adam sinned, eternal life was lost to all mankind, and all men were doomed to death. However, when Jesus came, He redeemed back that which was lost. He made the way for man to come back to God, and to receive eternal life through Him. In the book of Hosea, there is a picture of Hosea as husband buying back his wayward wife that had sold herself into slavery. Imagine the joy of being set free, of being able to return home once again, forgiven.

Zion is first mentioned in 2 Samuel Chapter 5, the city which David won from the Jebusites and became known as the City of David. Zion is Jerusalem. At the end of days, the book of Revelation speaks of the New Jerusalem coming down from Heaven. Imagine what a beautiful and marvelous sight it will be! When this New Jerusalem comes, as spoken of it Revelation 21, the tabernacle of God will be with men, and He will dwell with them and wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain!

Application: There are times in our lives when we may exhausted and weary, depressed and fed up with life perhaps. In these times, we may be tempted to sink into deep gloom, and self-pity. It is in these times that we should read a verse like Isaiah 51:11, reminding ourselves that because of Jesus Christ, we are redeemed, and we have a bright and glorious future where there will be everlasting joy and a new dwelling place where there is no sorrow or mourning. As we meditate on our future, let the Holy Spirit turn our mourning into dancing, and our sorrow into joy!

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You have redeemed me and prepared for me a wonderful, beautiful future in Zion with You. Praise and glory be to Your name, O Lord, let Your joy and gladness always shine through me I pray. In Jesus name, Amen.