Having spent several years of my life and ministry in various areas of the Mid-south of the United States I am very familiar with the goals and tasks of various antebellum restoration projects. The modern work on the restoration of very old structures of pre-Civil War southern American buildings and monuments makes them better than they were ever dreamed to be by the first owners.

In most cases the restoration goes much farther than the original work, and sets a demand for a heart for that work. The prophet understands this as he reflects on the desire of God to restore Israel in Isaiah 51.3: The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins. To manifest comfort and compassion demands an investment of heart to make it all as good as it once was.

Isaiah speaks of this restoration of his people and the breadth of it as he continues: He will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. God will do a recreation miracle—making the wastelands as if they were tremendously fertile and productive—a model of restoration at its very best!

The result of God’s rich investment in making all things new for his faithful people is a transformation of their hearts. Isaiah concludes: Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. Sorrow and sadness are no more to be found in the land of his people. The word of God to his people is simply this: YOU HAVE BEEN RESTORED! Sing joyfully in thanking the Lord your Creator!