wasteland no more

Reading in Isaiah this morning:

"... for I have hidden my face from this city because of all their evil.  

Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, 

and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.  

I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel, 

and rebuild them as they were at first.  

I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, 

and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me.  

And this city shall be to me 

a NAME OF JOY, 

a praise and a glory 

before all the nations of the earth 

who shall hear of all the good that I do for them.  

They shall fear and tremble because of all the good 

and all the prosperity I provide for it.

"Thus says the Lord:  In this place of which you say, 

'It is is a waste without man or beast,' 

in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, 

without man or inhabitant or beast, 

there shall be heard again the voice of mirth 

and the VOICE OF GLADNESS, 

the voice of the bridegroom 

and the voice of the bride, 

the voices of those who sing, 

as they bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord:

"'Give thanks to the Lord of hosts,

     for the Lord is good,

     for his steadfast love endures forever!'

"For I will restore the fortunes of the land as at first, 

says the Lord."

          {ch. 33:5-11}