The Desert
In Scripture, deserts aren’t just dry and desolate landscapes. They’re sacred spaces—where identity is formed, where false gods are stripped away, and where the voice of the Lord breaks through the silence.
In The Desert, historian Matthew Larsen takes you across the rugged terrain of West Texas to unpack what the wilderness meant to the earliest followers of God—and why it still matters for us today.
Drawing on historical insights, biblical narrative, and real landscapes that mirror the ancient world, this series invites you to slow down, wrestle with deeper questions, and discover how God still meets His people in barren places.
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1 - Out of Nothing, Something
From the opening pages of Scripture, we see God bring life and beauty out of barren places. This episode explores the creation accounts where God partners with humanity to transform chaos and void into an oasis and a garden. We also encounter Hagar and Ishmael—banished, alone, and certain of deat...
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2 - Wandering and Hiding
The desert can be a place of both testing and trust. We follow the generation of Israelites who left Egypt only to wander for 40 years—where grumbling led to perishing, but faith led to survival. We also journey with David as he hides in the desert from King Saul, learning how hardship became a p...
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3 - The Voice and the Vision
In the stillness of the desert, God often speaks in unexpected ways. This episode examines Elijah’s encounter with the “still, small voice,” showing how God’s presence can be revealed in whispers rather than in wind, earthquake, or fire. We also look at Isaiah’s vision of God building a highway i...
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4 - Rebirth and Renewal
Even in the most desolate places, God brings life again. We explore Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones, where the starkness of the desert amplifies the miracle of resurrection and restoration. We also witness John the Baptist’s renewal movement, launched in the unforgiving Judean wildern...
