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

Modern Arad

Israel is a small place with a wide range of climate choices. The north of this country is green with beautiful coast lines, mountains and valleys. But in the south it is brown and dry like the Sinai. Between the two is a hilly wilderness area, stretching from Gaza across to the Dead Sea. Much of the Old Testament history took place in this middle area. On a hill high above the Dead Sea is the small town of Arad. The hill is not that high but the Dead Sea is 1300 ft. below sea level. One tour guide tells some of his Jews that Jesus is not dead like this body of water. Driving in this arid town gives you a strange feeling. There is a notable absence of all speed signs, stop lights and no traffic signs of any kind. If you roll down your window you hear the silence of the desert and feel the warm dry breeze that the town is known for. When entering their underground mall there is a feeling that very independent people live here.

On another little mound about five miles west are several layers of the original towns of Arad. Probably dating back to the grandsons of Noah we know that this old town was inhabited by different ethnic groups over the years but all were known for their independence.  As you look south at the Negev wilderness it is hard to visualize 2 million people advancing on this little town. However, this is how Israel approached the Promised Land after the Exodus from Egypt but there were tough Canaanites living in Arad. The Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and attacked Israel and beat them all the way to Hormah. Numbers14:45 ( Halfway back to the Red Sea) The Lord allowed this to happen because of their unbelief at the time. Forty years later Israel entered from the north and killed the Canaanites and Arad became theirs. It follows that some of the most independent people of Judah settled in this dry town.

One of the sure signs of their independence was found while digging in the ruins of the old Arad. The foundations of an imitation of Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem were uncovered. This is the only place found in Israel where the people broke the law by building their own temple to God. It was patterned after the one in Jerusalem. The experts say that it was destroyed in 622 BC when the godly King Josiah was destroying the shrines of Israel for the greatest Passover ever celebrated. Just as he had done at Bethel, Josiah removed and defiled all the shrines at the high places that the kings of Israel had built… “Celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God” 2 kings 23:19-21 For some reason the people in Arad felt they could set up their own Holy Temple and worship God by their own rules.

Most Americans believe that they can worship God by following their own rules. We are a young and independent country and can accomplish anything we put our minds to. But God does not change for anyone. Maybe it is time for us to read the scriptures and follow instructions the way Josiah did when Israel had done its own thing. We might have to tear down some religious temples to make room for the true worship of God in our lives. Are we willing?