(By Kelly Mcdonald Jr) “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose” (Is. 35:1).
Isaiah 35 is a chapter that describes the public return of Jesus. When He returns in glory, the deserts will begin to bloom. Interestingly enough, this prophecy is beginning to happen in our time. The Hebrew word translated as desert in Isaiah 35:1 is arabah or aravah. While it is a generic word that can refer to a desert place, it is also a specific word referring to a desert valley in Israel.
When Israel first gained independence in 1948, the Arava was a barren place. Very few people wanted to live there. As of 2017, 14,000 people live in this area, which is approximately 108 miles long. Over the years, Israel has developed remarkable irrigation techniques. These practices have turned the former desert valley into a prosperous source of agricultural production. A recent report stated that the Arava produces over one-half of Israel’s agricultural exports, which includes crops such as squash, dates and strawberries. They are also growing flowers! CONTINUE
No disrespect but historical racism has clouded the judgment of white Christians. A fact you all need to face. I’m a black American of Hebrew descent, not philosophically but genetically proven. And it wasn’t “Israel” who gained independence in 1948. You need to be honest. It was European Jews by adoption of the faith, who asked to be relocated to the land their faith originated in. That would have been fine, except, like many of you, they disregarded the fact that there were Jews–mostly black (Yemenites, Ethiopian, Palestinian, Jordanian, etc., most of which I am connected to personally) who were already there. Because of the dominance of racism and colonialism, like the Native Americans who were already here, they were completely disregarded. It is great to be a Christian who believes in the Jewish Messiah, but ignoring his Heritage and that of the people who are today descended from that heritage is just plain wrong and I’m sure not okay with Him. Face the truth and acknowledge history. That being said, we await His Return. Shalom.