COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Isaiah 35:1-10
A message of promise and hope comes to the captive children of Israel. Yahweh is going to free them from their oppression and open a road through the parched desert to the holy city of Jerusalem. The writer (not Isaiah) poetically pictures the entire creation participating in the redemption of God's people as the desert springs to luxuriant life, free of ravenous beasts. In this second exodus from the land of captivity to the promised land, the redeemed leave their disabilities behind as they joyously make their way back home. This blissful vision is meant to make the prisoners strong and full of hope. God is present with his people and will shortly reveal his saving might.

Epistle: James 5:7-10
The expectation of the imminent return of Christ is …