Welcome to the desert!

Welcome to the desert! On day 2 we journeyed from the Shephelah, which was busy and full of all kinds of life, to the deserts of Maktesh Ramon. The sight of the desert can only be described as breathtaking. It is both beautiful and terrifying all at the same time. We marveled at the deserts cavernous beauty while also being reminded of the grandeur of God.

The first lesson that we learned about the desert was identifying the different types of deserts. The first type of desert is referred to as “mid-bar”. This is the kind of desert that can be survived in alone. The second is “jeshimon”. This is the kind of desert that can be survived in, but only with help. This was great reminder of our need for each other, not only in this journey, but in life. The final kind of desert is “tsah”. This is the kind of desert that cannot be survived, and this is where we found ourselves for the beginning of day 2.

It was a surreal feeling to walk the very land that the Israelites walked. The very land in which God said their feet would not swell (some of our feet may have swollen), nor would the souls of their sandals wear out. Being in the desert brings the accounts that are being given in the Scriptures into living color. It is awfully difficult to walk the desert and not be reminded of the sustaining, kind, loving, shepherd like nature of God.

After a quick lunch break we enjoyed a special experience of a Bedouin camp. While sitting in a tent in the dessert we learned, and experienced, the lost biblical value of hospitality. From the time we walked in we were being served tea, coffee, bread, and cheese. This experience forced our western minds to stretch an think, do we, people who claim to follow the one true God, show hospitality as God desires us to show hospitality, or at all for that matter.

Next, we took on the longest hike to date, Masada. While this is not technically a biblical sight, it does serve as an aid in the historical accounts. We journeyed up this monstrous rock and took in all of the history that came with it. It is an incredible thought as an American to hear about 2000+ year old history while our country is but a few hundred years old. The best thing about this history is that it only further solidifies what the Scriptures say. It is the very words of God.

Finally, we ended our day with a dip into the Salt Sea. We experienced the lowest place on earth at 1,200 feet below sea level! Floating in the Salt Sea was a great way to relax after a long day of trekking through the desert. We cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for tomorrow as we walk the path together.

—Kade Pierce