“The wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.” Isaiah 35:1, 2

At this time when the world is in terrible turmoil, many things are being done to save the earth and the environment. We see human ingenuity working miracles. New inventions are being made so rapidly that many become obsolete in a short time.

Many of these inventions are not being used to make things better for mankind because men’s hearts are still filled with pride and greed. Those who try to bring about a better world may have some success but it will take God’s power during Christ’s reign to bring about the perfect earth and social conditions.

The “blossoming of the wilderness” assures us that provisions will be made for the physical and spiritual needs of millions who will be brought forth from the grave. Their minds will be freed from superstition, knowledge will replace ignorance, and love will replace hate and sinfulness. The next age will be a time of education!

The Jewish nation had a wrong idea of the kingdom of God because they thought it would be only an earthly kingdom. Many today make the opposite mistake in thinking it will be only a heavenly kingdom. Yet Jesus clearly taught that a kingdom, a government, will be established right here on earth, and that there would be a heavenly government which will reign over all. Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1

It is hard to imagine a perfect earth where everyone lives in peace and harmony, but that will happen some day. All the destructive forces will be gone and the earth will truly “rejoice and blossom” for there will be plenty of water for the dry places (Isaiah 35:1, 2, 7; 41:18). The restored earth will be like the Garden of Eden before sin destroyed it. The earth will then be called “paradise” and mankind will appreciate the blessing of living forever in such a beautiful place.

The opportunity to experience both good and evil, and the memory of the fruits of evil in this world, will enable mankind to choose good in the kingdom, and be granted everlasting life on a perfected earth. Those who continue to practice evil will be destroyed in the second death.

During the thousand years of restitution work under the reign of the Messiah, the earth will be brought to the condition God in- tended when he created it. Then the creative work will be complete—both of the earth and of mankind!

The restored earth will be like the Garden of Eden before sin destroyed it.