Find Your Day

Last night found us at the Dead Sea Resort spot. We all had first class treatment. Our rooms were very comfortable and the dining was superb. It is easy to see why this lovely spot is a haven for weary travelers.

Our morning started early again. Out the door at 7 am and a quick bus ride to the beach. At the shore of the Dead Sea we had our first devotional teaching of the day.

"Find your day". This was our first contemplation and was a quote from the Bedouin story-teller we met yesterday. From there we went into scripture and read the promise that God laid out to Abraham, if Abraham would follow where he was being led. Our discussion also followed the reality of dead water (the Dead Sea in front of us) and the Living Water, which is life inside God's righteousness.

Our first stop of the day was Masada, also know as Stronghold. This imposing mountain fortress rises high above the desert plain, overlooking the Dead Sea. Thankfully, there are two ways to the top: a winding snake path and a tram. The heartiest of our group chose the 30 - 55 minute hike snaking up the mountain, complete with deep steps and switchbacks.

Peter Cusack accomplished the task in just under 24 minutes, followed by fellow sojourners at various intervals. To say this was a difficult climb is to put it mildly.

Once at the top there was still more hiking, though gentler. We saw the ruins of King Herod's palace and the various storerooms and chambers. All of which held various cargo and people throughout the years.

Finally, we heard the epic story of the zealots who lived there during the war with the Romans (approx. 68 AD). For three years they were surrounded by 10,000 troops of Roman soldiers, until the day that the Romans were finally able to breach their defense. Upon imminent defeat, they chose suicide over surrender. Approximately 1,000 men, women, and children died free, rather than becoming slaves.

Back on the bus, our guide Ronnie said we needed to keep hydrating because the next stop would be more climbing and hiking. A few groans were heard from the brave Masada climbers, though everyone got up and out at En Gedi, ready for this challenge.

Another mountain path, another steep incline. Only this time, there was no visible fortress at the top - only more and more mountain. However, tucked in about half way up was a gently babbling brook - En Gedi. Living water.

There, beside the gently burbling brook, the words of Psalm 1 came to life: "That person is like a tree planted by streams of (living) water," How sweet that oasis felt after the long, dry hikes in the wilderness. There was life there! And with that life surrounding us, we were refreshed as well.

En Gedi is referenced many times in the Old Testament, among them are the stories of David and King Saul. Todd Schenck read to us from 1 Samuel 23, the story of when David is on the run (near En Gedi) and Saul relieves himself in a cave where David and his men are hiding. Rather than kill Saul, David cuts a piece of his robe and slips away. As Saul leaves, David hollers to him and waves the piece of Saul's cloak and asks "What have I done wrong?" By showing mercy to Saul, he asks for mercy in return.

Packing our supplies back in our backpacks we took off for our next stop - upward, of course. Then, as though the centuries melted away in the blink of an eye, we heard David's voice crying out from across the mountain. "Saul, what have I done to displease you?" Todd Schenck answered the inquiry with the question, "David, my son, is that you?"

Ok - it was a hammy gesture cooked up ahead of time by Ronnie (our guide) and Todd. But it brought to life the real drama of their encounter and how it may have played out. Ronnie had snuck off to hide behind the next hill while we all gathered our things.

To the foot again, we rose higher yet; finally reaching the summit of climb. Now we were looking down to a very deep valley where a waterfall sprang from the side of the mountain. Glorious, gushing, powerful, clear, and pure water! Named 'David's waterfall', this has to have been a place he would have sought for it's water supply and sweet refuge.

The trip down the mountain was every bit as perilous as the trip up, only faster and in reverse. Those who actually looked down (I chose not to!) had moments of acute anxiety. The path was narrow and steep, with areas of cable pinioned into the mountainside for support.

Finally at the bottom we stood beneath the mighty spigot and watched it fall into deep pools. Again, we rested and opened our Bibles for a devotional on our experience.

Todd chose the passage in Jeremiah 17 that says, "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are always green."

We looked over several other passages as well and talked about the trees and where they thrive and why. In the end, my note on what I took away from this experience is that I am to be a stream of Living Water to the thirsty around me. What an amazing thought after the severe contrasts of dry wasteland and the fresh flowing water. Where the water flows it brings life, shade, food, and renewal.

Our trip out of En Gedi was much easier as there is a footpath running along the stream all the way to the parking lot. Who knew that you did not have to climb the face of the mountain and then the sheer cliff to get there? Still, the sweet contrast was worth the entire journey.

In the pools along the path several of our group either waded in or got fully immersed in the cool waters. After a quick lunch we enjoyed a few minutes at the park before getting on the bus for our next stop.

Qumran was about 20 minutes further on the road north along the Dead Sea. You might figure it's significance once I tell you that some sacred texts were found there - yes, the Dead Sea Scrolls. Beyond the obvious significance of the find, there is also the story of the monk-like people who inhabited the site and wrote the scrolls. Their story was every bit as fascinating as the story of the discovery of the documents.

A tired group boarded the bus for our final leg of the day. We have arrived at a Kibbutz on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. A cool breeze greeted us, along with green grass and larger trees. The resort is quite nice and we are looking forward to good rest tonight because, guess what --- we have an early start to our day tomorrow!

Thank you to all those who are praying for our safety. Continue to pray for good health and strength for all of us. Blessings from Israel!