Israel In Depth - Real Life Church
April 21 - May 1, 2015
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Wandering in the Wilderness
This morning we explored the Valley of Zin, I thought that it looked a lot like the Grand Canyon. The beauty and peacefulness of the canyon bottom was almost overwhelming. I just wanted to sit and take it all in.
We hiked some steep steps that were cut into the canyon wall and came to a resting point about half way up, where Brennan talked about how God is with us… that He came to be with us. God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit and desires a relationship with us. What better place than this remarkable valley to be with God.
When I realized we had to hike out by climbing steps and ladders on the side of the canyon walls, I was very glad that God was with me. Through God’s strength and the group’s encouragement I made it to the top!
After the Valley of Zin, we visited a Bedouin village and were able to go on a camel ride and experience their hospitality by enjoying cookies, coffee, and tea in one of their tents. Our guide, Ronen, told us about how much the Bedouin way of life has been affected by modern globalization, and that most are no longer nomadic. However, some of the older generation still prefer to live in tents in their backyard, as they feel more comfortable there.
Debie Kimball
Real Life Church - Valencia, CA
Ein Avdat
The Nahal Zin was the southern border of the land of Canaan that was promised to the Israelites. Numbers 34:3-4 (KJV) “Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward: And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon.”
In the afternoon, we visited the ruins of Arad, located in the center of Judea. What was so unique about this ancient city is that is contains the only temple discovered within the boundaries of the Kingdom of Judah; worship to God, Yahweh, was supposed to only occur at the official temple. Yet these people desired a closer connection with Him.
For us in the present, we have access to that personal and loving relationship with God at any time and at any place! I find that we, or at least I, often take this precious gift for granted because it’s always been available to us, but that doesn’t detract from the power and honor found within it. I want to work on more fully and gratefully accepting God’s gift and being present in my relationship with God.
We wrapped up the day by floating in the Dead Sea. It was truly a unique and unforgettable experience!
Kayla Kimball
Real Life Church - Valencia, CA
Dead Sea
Known in the Bible as the “Salt Sea” or the “Sea of the Arabah,” this inland body of water is appropriately named because its high mineral content allows nothing to live in its waters. Other post-biblical names for the Dead Sea include the “Sea of Sodom,” the “Sea of Lot,” the “Sea of Asphalt” and the “Stinking Sea.” In the Crusader period, it was sometimes called the “Devil’s Sea.” All of these names reflect something of the nature of this lake.
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