A Rose In A Desert

Isiah 35:1

Isaiah said that a rose would bloom in a desert. This has to be the most beautiful scenes that can be observed on earth. Whether it be a red, yellow, pink, or white rose, against the backdrop of a dry and barren place it presents a welcome sight for sore eyes. It is not only beautiful, but it is fragrant. It lets you and I know that there is beauty among the mundane, and life among death.

This is the picture of Jesus Christ! He came into the world as Paul said when the “fullness of time had come.”(Galatians 4:4) It was the right time because God’s people were dry spiritually, barren in prosperity, and under the iron fist of oppressive Rome. Israel was nothing like its glory days in David and Solomon’s time. But yet it was the right time for God to be made flesh and begin His work of salvation among men.

We all want things to be the way they used to be and I sense the frustration, impatience, bitterness, and uncertainty that is starting to fill our hearts and minds. Things just doesn’t feel right and we almost feel out of place. As Christians it shouldn’t feel right and we should feel out of place because this world is not our home. God didn’t make us for deserts. He made us for green pastures and still waters. But as our great shepherd leads us in the paths of righteousness we go through some valleys that are dry, barren, and dark in order to get to greener pastures and cooler waters.

But along the way, if we look close enough, in the backdrop of all that is bad, we can see a rose blooming. Christianity is all about focus. It’s all about keeping our eyes and heart fixed on the person of Christ who is the “Rose of Sharon.” (Song of Solomon 2:1) There are many bad things happening, but God is doing great things too, and it would serve us well to pray and ask Him to help us discern those things. It’s not about being pessimistic or optimistic. Half full or half empty. It’s all about a great a God doing great things for His people in a time when they need it the most.

So today, in a time when America is spiritually low, barren in spiritual blessings, and oppressed by civil disorder, remember there is a Rose that is in bloom. But also remember every rose has its thorns. So too our Lord Jesus Christ “The Rose of Sharon” had His crown of thorns, but on the third day He in the backdrop of death, He arose from the grave and is alive forever more! And because He lives, we will live also!

So seek to find the beauty of God in our world today and in other people. Also, seek to bring forth His beauty in our lives by allowing the Holy Spirit to conform us to His image and likeness. Who knows, maybe you will be a Rose to somebody today. One who is beautiful and fragrant in the sight of the Lord!

Pastor Robby