The lush indigenous forest was alive with a chorus of birds. A crystal clear stream gurgled happily by. Immersed in this beautiful piece of God’s creation, untouched by humans, I thought, “This is a taste of God’s coming kingdom”, and it felt exhilarating! We live in a world where human greed is polluting and destroying the beautiful earth God created. Scientists predict that human-caused pollution and deforestation will cause more than seventy percent of the Earth’s animal and plant species to face extinction by the end of the century. However, Isaiah paints a beautiful picture of our earth blessed by God, unfettered from evil and filled with awe and wonder. “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.” (Isaiah 35:1-2). It’s not only the earth that is blessed; it’s God’s children too – “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isaiah 35:10). What a promise! Open Bible – http://bit.ly/Isa35 (Nicky B)
