Scripture Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10, Isaiah 36:1-22, Zephaniah 3:14-20, 2 Corinthians 7:9-12
Have you ever lost something so precious to you that if you found it, you would “leap for joy?” Perhaps it was a childhood toy, a family heirloom, or a cherished photo. The feeling of joy and relief from finding what was lost is a glimpse of the joy that awaits us in eternity, our future home.
Throughout the history of God’s nation, they had to endure heart-wrenching loss. This time, it wasn’t just about personal possessions—it was about their very homeland. They weren’t simply misplacing things; they were forcibly uprooted, displaced from what had been promised to them. In the ancient Near East, exiling people from their homeland had the effect of dampening and damaging their identity and joy as a people. Can you imagine what that felt like? It would undoubtedly cause deep sorrow in a person’s heart.
As Isaiah prophesied of a future exile and return for the people of Judah, he uttered these hopeful words: “…and the ransomed of the LORD will return and come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy. Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee” (Isaiah 35:10). The people of Israel were notorious for forgetting and forsaking God, turning to worthless idols, and seeking life apart from Him. And at this point in their history, an approaching exile was the consequence.
Sin leads to our spiritual displacement. James discusses this when he says, “Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death” (James 1:15). Again, sin leads to death or separation.
You might feel separated from God because of your sin. What might it look like for you to return home? As followers of Jesus, we have been given a new identity; we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom to come, and this earth isn’t our forever home. Knowing this, when we are tempted to step outside God’s provision, we find that what has already been provided to us in Christ—grace—is sufficient! In God’s kindness and grace we are moved to grieve our attempt to look for life apart from Him, confess our sins, and turn back to Him (2Corinthians 7:9–10). It is in this vulnerable yet safe space that our sorrow is replaced with joy.
Written by Will Heydel
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70 thoughts on "The Ransomed Return"
I repent, Lord!
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I love this sentence: As followers of Jesus, we have been given a new identity; we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom to come, and this earth isn’t our forever home.
Hallelujah!!!
Amanda’s procedure went well today, although it took over two hours. As expected, they had to take out the old port, and install a new one. They had her under twilight anesthesia, but even giving her as much as they could, she was awake for the whole thing. She did well through the whole thing. Although she is sore, she will have her chemo as scheduled tomorrow. I am so grateful for all of your prayers, and to God for seeing her safely through this unexpected surgery.
Teresa, I am so glad that is over and Amanda can move forward as planned! So sorry she was aware during the procedure and that she has the soreness to deal with on top of everything. Praying for smooth sailing here on out, minimal side effects, and optimal success! ❤
Thank you for the update. May the Lord’s strength, encouragement, hope and healing be with your daughter and all your family ❤️
Thank You, God, that when I’m lost or grieving the earthly things You remind me to lift my gaze to You. What do mortal things matter in the scheme of things? As this reminds us, Earth isn’t our forever home. While things here may not be going my way, I know they’re going Your way. I want to stay your path, foolish as I am, thank You that You will not let me stray.
Praying God’s comfort and peace for you in whatever you are experiencing, dear sister! ❤️
I love that God can always take whatever terrible sky we are in and make it beautiful! I’m so glad that he is remaking me everyday to be more like him. “Though my body is wasting away , my inner self is being renewed everyday. “
“In God’s kindness and grace we are moved to grieve our attempt to look for life apart from Him, confess our sins, and turn back to Him. It is in this vulnerable yet safe space that our sorrow is replaced with joy.” So thankful for God’s grace and mercy in restoration. Truly a God of second chances again and again.
Today my little asked me what was my Bible study and apparently what stuck was the desert blossoming with flowers. Her explanation of today’s lesson was “Jesus loves us and turns us into beauuuuitful flowers. We don’t look like flowers but we are.”
And ya know, I don’t think she’s wrong.
I know when I’m listening to God’s will, actively repenting for my sin and rejoicing in grace, I do feel like a sunflower. Confident in my placement, at peace and feeling beautiful for the grace given to me.
I’ll be thinking and praying on the lessons from the readings and my toddler for a while to come!
Out of the mouths of babes; I LOVE it, Sam and thank you for sharing! ❤❤❤
I love this thanks for sharing Sam D!
This is so precious. Thank you:)
Good morning beautiful She’s! Feels good to get up later BUT, I told myself no more staying up TOO late. I’ll have to go back and re read the passages and this devo as the “noise” of the day already started and my mind is already “busy.” NO more staying up late on this Spring Break! I can say what stood out this morning the reminder that this earth is not our forever home. AND I take those words as I walk up the steps the the Family Law Courthouse to turn in paperwork! Sigh…. I know my JESUS is going with me. And your prayers! AND someday, this will be no more.
Precious Mari, I’m so sorry you have to deal with all this legal “Mumbo jumbo”! Praying all goes well and you can enjoy the rest of your week off! ❤️
So many wonderful comments today! What stood out to me was a lame leaping for Joy and streams in the desert! And the Lord rejoicing over me with joy!
I like many of you are asking the Lord to show me where I need to have godly sorrow that leads to repentance! I am thankful for God‘s correction that one day we will be leaping with Joy
What a picture of restoration that is painted for us in the scriptures! The dry, dusty desert coming to life with blossoms – pools and streams in the desert – waters gushing forth in the wilderness! It reminds me of those digital birthday cards you can send, where the screen starts blank and then flowers, trees, birds and all kinds of color begin to pop up until at the finish there is a beautiful, colorful work of art!
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And the Highway of Holiness! Not for the wicked, not for the unclean – but for us, followers of Jesus.
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Ending with one of my very favorite verses in the Bible – Zephaniah 3:17 -Our heavenly Father takes delight in us and sings over us with rejoicing! …It doesn’t get better than that!
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Have a blessed Tuesday Sweet Sisters! ❤️❤️
I have to say that I know about “godly grief that leads to repentance”. There are times when God brings to my memory a time where either I have sinned or someone has sinned against me. It brings pain and sorrow to remember such times. BUT, like the scripture says, it brings me to repentance which leads me to healing and restoration and forgiveness. So, when God brings something to my memory, I now rejoice because I know He is wanting to do a work in me. He doesn’t bring things to my mind just to leave me there in my pain, but to heal and restore. So, I welcome times of remembrance so God can bring me to a new level of healing.
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I love the Corinthians verse from today because it is so helpful to distinguish Godly sorrow from just “I’m sad I got caught” sorrow. Godly sorrow has real fruit. Real repentance that you can see. A real turning away and a real making right of the wrong. God show me where I need to have Godly sorrow!
Yes. Thank you for sharing this
What a beautiful picture of restoration Isa 35 is. I have previous notes in my Bible that say “the joy of heaven”. After such separation, loss and displacement there is great joy and beauty in restoration. I can so easily slip into the place of separation and yet God by His grace and mercy always makes a way home, a way to be near to Him, in fellowship with Him, for forgiveness.
I love Zeph 3:17 ‘The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.’
Thank you Lord for your Word that clearly tells us who you are. Help me to see the depths of your character, the vastness of your greatness and to trust in you and to hold fast to your. Thank you that you are my (our) Savior. That when I am lost, you find me – that I can always find my way back to you. Amen
Emma – you are heavy on my heart as you long to have a baby in your arms. It is a heart shattering struggle that I can neither personally understand, nor make sense of as to why one suffers such deep unfulfilled longing – I’m sorry. Praying for you. Cling to Jesus❤️
I love the picture of the desert being transformed and blossoming. God, visit the wastelands of our hearts with your kindness that leads to repentance. As we repent, let the new life sprout up everywhere. ❤️
Me too, especially the song “Flowers.” God is holding a watering can…watering the seeds in the valley!
I was watching a nature show the other night. They showed the desert after a rain as it went into “super bloom”. Amazing !
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Sometimes I wish I had my own private prophet to tell me Words and direction from God! But I’m sure I would dismiss him as “crazy.” The “house of David” series shows us in “cinematic style” how the once, following after God- King Saul started to dismiss Samuel’s heed and warnings, to please himself.
We often talk about the stubborn, stiff-necked Israelites crazily grumbling after seeing miracle after miracle. YET—we are the same. I DO have a prophet. Jesus came to give the final word, the ultimate way to live for God. I have the scripture that is my life guide. I have the beautiful gift of prayer to talk to Father God whenever I choose and to listen!! I have people that come, just when God gives them words to share with me. I have my She’s, full of discernment and wisdom, and hugs.
We have no excuses. We just have to want to have ears to hear, and eyes to see. We must have a desire, a heart on fire, to want to have a relationship with Jesus. I can never repay him for giving up his life for mine. I am the prodigal child, thinking my way was better, and I hit my knees, at the bottom of myself, and knew my life was horribly far from my Savior. He opened his arms, I fell into them. Then he laid a highway out for me…
Thank you Father. That you speak with me. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, you stay right with me. You give me what I need, what I need. But I need to stay close and diligent. There is a war, Satan wants to win, he attacks constantly those that are making a difference for the Kingdom. It’s actually a nice nod to me if I feel attacked, it means I am doing my Father’s work! Do not grow weary, do not fear. Be strong and courageous my dear daughter…You’ve got this.
I love this part of 2 Corinthians-
10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death. 11 For consider how much diligence this very thing—this grieving as God wills—has produced in you: what a desire to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what deep longing, what zeal, what justice!
Grief brings us closer to God! That’s why sometimes we have to “get out of the way” with our loved ones and give God room to work! I am glad I was in the pit with no way (no good way) out but Him!
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Rhonda, I’ve been watching the House of David, too. It’s interesting to see stories we’ve known all our lives played out as they might have been. One thing the series is doing is sending me to the Bible often to see what it actually says and if I’ve missed something all these years!
Thank you for your promises, Lord. “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zeph 3: 17) Oh how beautiful that the Creator of the universe draws near to us. Amen!
I have to run out this morning so a quick comment!
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In Isaiah 35, the visual of peace and joy- SO MUCH JOY, flowers in the desert, etc., was beautiful to read!
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“There the Lord will display his glory,
the splendor of our God.
3 With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees.
4 Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.”
This passage reminded me of the song, How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin.
Partial lyrics:
The splendour of a King
Clothed in Majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice …
Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing, how great is our God.
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In Isaiah 35:8 the Highway of Holiness (NLT) reminded me of the old hymn
The Way of the Cross Leads Home:
verse 3 Then I bid farewell to the way of the world,
To walk in it nevermore;
For the Lord says, “Come,” and I seek my home
Where He waits at the open door.
Chorus:
The way of the cross leads home, (leads home,)
The way of the cross leads home; (leads home;)
It is sweet to know as I onward go,
The way of cross leads home.
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Love, hugs, and prayers, sweet Shes! ❤
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TERESA DONLEY – Praying for Amanda’s procedure today and for success, for peace in the waiting and healing from emotional stress for all of you! ❤
Oh, now that’s a hymn I had forgotten! I would add to my “hymns” playlists but I by accident erased ALL my playlists!!! Boo. I have to start over.
Oh no, Rhonda! So sorry!!! ❤
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Amen
Thank you for never letting go
I am definitely feeling separated from God. Please pray that I will seek Him first and foremost.
Praying for you Lydia to feel His presence and His peace as you go through your day.
I’m praying for you, Lydia. I pray you will seek the Lord, and feel His Presence and peace in your life. ❤️
I’m praying for you Lydia
I am so sorry to hear Lydia. I am praying for you right now. When you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. (James 4:8) ❤️
Amen
Amen. Thank you Lord!
Too much in these Scriptures for me to absorb and get a handle on in one morning, nuggets and keepsakes everywhere.
The Highway of Holiness stood out to me each time I read through this morning (to help with understanding at least a small portion of Isaiah, I’ve been starting with NKJV and then reading both it & NLT in the side by side option in BG). This safe-from-eternal harm highway leads home and is for all who walk with the Lord our God, the redeemed, those who listen and do as it says in Isaiah 30:21, Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,”
In the confusing, tempting, sinful times of our world today, this Highway may not always seem clearly marked or defined. Praying that as we stop and seek the Lord’s guidance, our hearts will discern the right path – which could be the more difficult, most painful or least popular way to go.
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BG verse today: 1 John 1:9 ❤️ Goes along with last paragraph of devo which was written so well.
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Sisters, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers yesterday, every single one of them. I was praying as I sat in the 1st meeting room waiting for the others, asking for guidance and whatever else I might need – thanking Him that He heard my prayers and those of my sisters here that I KNEW were joining with me. Thankful for this community of praying sisters!! Both meetings were yesterday, early and late, making for a really long day. Both were very tough, but ended with some decisions being made.
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MEAGAN C – yes, thankful He wants all of us
WENDY B – good to see you back
TAMI – what an encouragement your testimony is to us as you walk through one of life’s toughest situations- that you are seeking and seeing God’s mercies and goodness in the midst of the hard. Praying you’ll feel your strength renewed each day, and that others will draw closer to Christ.
MERCY – yes, praise, fear, revere God, to Him be all glory
KATARINA FRIEDMAN – praying for communication improvement with your H!! This is a daily issue for me and likely many of our sisters here. How hard can it be to express thoughts/opinions, discuss in a calm manner and find some middle ground?? Apparently really hard … and since I can’t read his mind :/, I try to sort out the small stuff, lay it aside & move on.
MARI V – yes, new mercies! Enjoy the break ❤️
KRIS – restoration, making us new ❤️
CEE GEE – ‘One day, God will tarry no more.’ Lord, praying the lost are drawn to you. ❤️
TERESA DONLEY – praying for Amanda’s procedure today ❤️
RHONDA J – thanks for series heads up
DANIELLE B- so thankful you are doing so well, we’re encouraged by your testimony!
LAURA – good to see you!
TINA – praying everything got sorted out yesterday ❤️
Si glaf the meetings are behind you. Praying for peace in the decisions/outcome. Deep breath today, sister! Love you and praying God blesses your heart in a special way today! ❤
❤️ thank you sister for the update. Praying you can take a breather or two today.
Thank You Father.
A “highway of holiness” will be laid out for the redeemed. This path is safe and pure, meant for the people of God who are returning to Him. The redeemed will experience everlasting joy, “Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee” Isaiah 35:8, 9-10.
From the Enduring Word:
Are you on the highway?
Are you making progress on it?
Are you enjoying the travel?
Are you inviting others to join?
Pausing in prayer to consider
Great questions, thank you!
Good questions to reflect upon. Thank you ❤️
Isaiah 35:4b-6
“‘God’s retribution is coming; he will save you.’
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then the lame will leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy.”
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The Son came and did this all!
To the glory of the Father.
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MARI V – praying you found the answers you needed yesterday.
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JESSA OLSON – are you still with us? :-)
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LYNNE FROM AL snd MIA FAITH – ❤️❤️❤️
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SEARCHING – continuing to pray for courage and peace for you.
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GRATEFUL BELIEVER – any updates on the loss from the scam?
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MARIA B – continued prayers for rebuilding your house.
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MICHELLE P – praying Jesus reveals Himself to your Muslim bosses during Ramadan
Thank you! Joining in prayer for our sisters.
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This morning’s devotions is reminding me of the story of the prodigal son…the Father was standing ready with joy and restoration once the straying son came home. Oh how grateful are we that our merciful God waits with forgiveness and not punishment when His rebellious children turn and repent!?!
Giving thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross this morning and looking forward to the worship songs this will surely bring to mind from our ‘worship leaders’ today!
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“Praise is The Highway” Bethel!