Yarkon River

One of the oldest spring fed rivers in the world. It slowly winds its way from the springs down to the Mediterranean shore. This historic landmark is located in the middle of Israel. There are over 2000 springs in a small valley nine miles northeast of Tel Aviv. This crystal clear water was flowing to the sea when Abraham entered the land four thousand years ago. On a hill overlooking the valley of springs are the multilayered ruins of Antipatris. This is the place where Paul stayed overnight when traveling with the Roman Army as written in the book of Acts. In fact, every great army in history that traveled between Europe and Africa camped at this water supply. When you walk along the banks of the Yarkon, a feeling that thousands of war horses are bending their heads to drink fills your imagination.

Originally Israel was a part of the most beautiful garden in the world. Maybe this great flow of pure spring water ran its course through the Garden of Eden after the creation of Earth. Watching the kids run off a high bank and plunge in to the stream can carry you into deep thought. On a hot day the cool water must have saved countless souls from the oppressing heat. When a person is lost they must find water in order to survive. If water is not found, death is only two or three days from claiming its victim. Usually, trees and food surround the water. It can be said that water has a certain power over death. Jesus said that; Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. John 4:14 This means that they will never die. If the spring water of the Yarkon were drank only once for eternal life, there would be a long line at the river bank.

Most of this spring water is sent down to the desert. You can drive along a two lane road in the desert and enjoy seeing miles and miles of beautiful flowers being raised to ship out to the world. Both sides of the road have many blocks of different colors as far as the eye can see. Hundreds of years ago the Scriptures prophesied; The wilderness will rejoice and blossom…water will gush forth in the wilderness. Isa 35:1,6 The spring water no longer travels nine miles to be lost into the sea. It now travels 80 miles to the middle of the desert where life burst forth in astounding color. All life is provided by God and he can make everything beautiful and alive. The Lord will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Isaiah 51:3 Although the Garden of Eden was spoiled by the sin of humans, God can easily rebuild it.

Every life has been spoiled by sin making us into spiritual deserts. The Almighty is ready to provide everything needed to turn our desert into a beautiful garden. He wants to send life giving water down to each of us. The Book of John tells us that Jesus is the water of life. The water we need comes to us from Heaven through the conduit of the Holy Spirit. Most people today have become oriented to this world and will not give it up to live entirely for God. Remember that our garden was destroyed by sin and it must have a great power to recreate it. Turn to God and your desert will blossom. I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people. Isaiah 43:20