Glimpses of Israel - Springtime in Israel

From the open fields and slopes of the North through to the vibrant colours of wild flowers in the South, Israel is spectacular in Springtime.

The Land has begun to flourish because the Jewish people are coming home. For centuries, the Land languished under Gentile rule, while the children of Israel were scattered among the nations. The Promised Land had become a desolate place, a wasteland -- it longed for her children to return.

Today, the Land and the People flourish together with new life -- it's Springtime in Israel.

Spring is also the season of joyful festivals, when the people of Israel rejoice in their redemption from Egypt, and in the receiving of God's Law; the instructions to Life. Passover and Shavuot (Pentecost) are the two feasts celebrated during this time of year, and are two of the three major feasts in which all Jewish males are required to ascend to Jerusalem, to appear before the Lord in His House -- the Temple.

The Land is ablaze with colour, and abuzz of activity. The sounds of redemption and deliverance; the joy of living a life pleasing to the one True God; and the colours of Spring all join with one voice to sanctify His holy Name. It is a prelude to the coming Kingdom, when the Messiah will return as King.

"For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the LORD GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations." (Isaiah 61:11)

It's Springtime in Israel. Blessed be the Name of the LORD!

Mark Warren