God's Glory Church

“Desert… bloom like a rose.” — Isaiah 35:1

A hundred years ago, lush forests covered about 40 percent of Ethiopia’s territory, but today it covers only 4 percent. Clearing areas for agricultural needs without proper tree protection has led to an ecological crisis. The vast majority of the remaining small areas of green space are protected by churches. For centuries, local Ethiopian Orthodox churches have nurtured these oases in the middle of the barren desert. If you look at aerial photos, you will see green islands surrounded by brown sand. Church leaders insist that caring for trees is part of their obedience to God as stewards of His creation.

The prophet Isaiah wrote to the people of Israel who lived in an arid region. He pointed to the future planned by God, in which “the wilderness and the forest will rejoice, and the steppe will rejoice and blossom” (Is. 35:1). God wants to heal not only His people, but also the whole earth. “I will create a new heaven and a new earth” (Is. 65:17). In God’s new world, “the desert… will blossom like a rose” (Is. 35:1).

God’s concern for creation, including humans, motivates us to care for him as well. We can live in harmony with His plan for the ultimate healing of the world by caring for what He has created. We can also join God’s cause to make all kinds of deserts bloom with life and beauty.

Where do you see a barren and suffering creation? How to help deserts bloom?

Lord God, please show me how to help heal and restore what is broken in the world.

Author: Wynn Collier