Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Isaiah 33:10-36:22, Galatians 5:13-26, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 23:23

Walking God’s Road of Redemption and Safety

“And a great road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways; fools will never walk there.” – Isaiah 35:8 (NLT)

Isaiah has warned about judgment; now in chapter 35 he suddenly shifts to restoration—God promises renewal and a way home. “Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses” (Isaiah 35:1, NLT). The desert blooms, the weak are strengthened, and the redeemed are given a way home—a road called the Highway of Holiness (Isaiah 35:8). This isn’t a road found on a map, but a spiritual path God Himself has prepared for His people.

This road is exclusive: “evil-minded people will never travel on it… only those who walk in God’s ways” (Isaiah 35:8). Not because God is cruel, but because sin and rebellion simply can’t survive on a road paved by His holiness. Only the redeemed—those washed and made holy—can walk there (Isaiah 35:9–10). Unlike the dangerous roads of Isaiah’s day, this highway is protected and pure. “Lions will not lurk along its course, nor any other ferocious beasts. There will be no other dangers. Only the redeemed will walk on it” (Isaiah 35:9).

For Israel, this foreshadowed their return from exile. For us, it points to Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NLT). Every act of obedience, every turning from sin, every step toward God is a step on this holy highway. Walking it is not about works but about redemption—we walk because He first placed us on it.

But the journey isn’t without opposition. Mockers will stand along the way, shouting their lies and taunts, trying to lure us off the path. The enemy aims to intimidate, frighten, or shame us into stepping outside God’s protection. Just as Israel’s enemies mocked them with words like, “What are you trusting in that makes you so confident? Who are you counting on, that you have rebelled against me? … With your tiny army, how can you think of challenging even the weakest contingent of my master’s troops?” (Isaiah 36:4–5, NLT), we too hear those same accusations whispered against us.

But Isaiah shows that God’s people remained silent—they didn’t waste their strength answering lies (Isaiah 36:21). Instead, they kept walking, step by step, until they laid everything at the feet of the King (Isaiah 37:14–20). There they found peace. Psalm 64 paints the same picture: “They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows… But God Himself will shoot them with His arrows; suddenly, striking them down” (Psalm 64:3, 7, NLT). The righteous rejoice and find shelter in Him along the way (Psalm 64:10).

The Highway of Holiness is a place of promise. We walk it in faith, guarded by His Spirit, guided by His whisper, and sustained by His presence (Galatians 5:25). Our destination is certain: Zion, the presence of the King Himself (Isaiah 35:10).

Action (5 Minutes with God)

Today let’s practice silence before the mockers and instead lay it at the feet of Jesus.

1. Ask the Lord, “What lie have I been believing that has lead me off the path of peace?”
2. Write what He whispers. Don’t hesitate – just write.
3. Then ask, “What is Your truth about that, Lord?”
4. Write down what He answers you.
5. Then ask, “Lord erase the lie from my heart and replace it with Your truth. I lay it all at Your feet.”

Prayer

Lord, thank You for placing me on the Highway of Holiness through Christ. Guard my steps and keep me from wandering when the enemy mocks, intimidates, or shames me. Teach me to remain silent before the lies and trust that You Yourself fight for me. Help me walk daily in obedience to Your Spirit, confident that my destination is You. I rejoice and take shelter in You, my Defender and King. Amen. 💎

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© 2025 Gems of Knowledge. Scripture quotations from the NLT © Tyndale House Foundation.