“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert” (Isaiah 35:5–6 ESV).
Isaiah foresaw a day when God’s salvation would transform both people and creation. Healing would come to the blind, deaf, lame, and mute, and life would spring up in the barren desert as waters broke forth in the wilderness. This vision began its fulfillment in Christ’s first coming. When John the Baptist’s disciples asked if Jesus was the Messiah, He pointed to these very signs: “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear…” (Matt. 11:5; Luke 7:22). Jesus also promised “living water” through the Spirit (John 7:37–39). Yet the prophecy points forward to His return, when creation itself will be renewed, and sorrow will be no more (Rev. 21:4–5; 22:1–2).
Life often feels like a wilderness—dry, weary, and barren. Troubles press in—illness, disappointment, loss. But Isaiah’s vision reminds us that God can make streams flow in the desert. In Christ’s first coming, living waters already broke forth, bringing healing, forgiveness, and the gift of the Spirit. Even now, He causes living water to flow into our thirsty souls. Yet we still wait for the final fulfillment, when Jesus comes again and every dry place is transformed into eternal joy. So when we feel stuck in a desert season, we can hold onto hope. God is able to bring forth life where there seems to be none.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to open blind eyes, heal the lame, and pour out living water by Your Spirit. Thank You for the hope that even in life’s wilderness, You can cause streams to flow. Refresh our hearts today with Your presence. Let streams of living water flow into our dry and weary souls today, and keep our eyes fixed on the joy of Christ’s return. In Jesus’ name, amen.