Blooming in the Desert
They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
Isaiah 35:2
The Mojave Desert includes the expected sand dunes, dry canyons, mesas, and mountains of most deserts. But American biologist Edmund Jaeger observed that every few years an abundance of rain results in “such a wealth of blossoms that almost every foot of sand or gravelly soil is hidden beneath a blanket of flowers.” The Mojave wildflower show isn’t a yearly phenomenon, though. Researchers confirm the dry earth needs to be soaked by storms and warmed by the sun, at just the right times, before blooms will cover the desert with vibrant colors.
This image of God bringing forth life despite the arid terrain reminds me of the prophet Isaiah. He shared an encouraging vison of hope after delivering God’s message of judgment on all nations (Isaiah 35). Describing a future time when God will make all things right, the prophet said, “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom” (v. 1). He declared God’s rescued people will enter His kingdom “with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away” (v. 10).
With our eternal future secured by God’s promises, we can trust Him through life’s seasons of drought and drenching storms. Deeply rooted in His love, we can grow, blooming into His likeness until, at just the right time, Jesus returns and sets all things right.
By Xochitl Dixon
REFLECT & PRAY
Loving Father, thank You for assuring us You’re with us and working to grow us through every stormy moment of our lives.
What storms of life have you been facing? How is God showing you His presence? Look! He’s there.
Your gift changes lives. Help us share God’s love with millions every day.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The promise in Isaiah 35:5—the blind and the deaf would be healed—was intended to help Israel recognize the Messiah when He arrived. In Mark 6-8, we see two cycles of events. Each has a miraculous feeding, a debate with the religionists, and a healing miracle. The first cycle ends with Jesus healing a deaf man and the second with Him healing a blind man. Little wonder, then, that Peter proclaims Jesus to be the Messiah (8:29), for He has fulfilled the promise of Isaiah 35. Bill Crowder
No comments:
Post a Comment