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Israel Study Tour - Scott Heare
March 19 - April 2, 2015
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Extreme lengths
Today was our last day in the desert. We started it bright and early, as usual, and headed into the West Bank to climb Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were first discovered. We started our journey in the ruins where the Essenes lived. The Essenes were known as “Sons of Light” and to be waiting for the redemption of Israel. The Essenes moved out, as priests, from lush Jerusalem to the desert on the Dead Sea in an effort to reorder things and prepare for the Messiah. The question was asked “What do I do that says I will go to extreme lengths for the God we love?” Would I answer the call of love if it meant risking everything? I would like to think the answer would be yes. But I think it is a question I should ask myself daily as I consider where God is calling me next.
Qumran
10 miles south of Jericho, Qumran was on a “dead-end street” and provided a perfect location for the isolationist sect of the Essenes to live.
The site was excavated by Catholic priest Roland deVaux from 1953-56. More recent excavations of the site have taken place under the direction of Hanan Eshel.
From there, we headed up the mountain. The trail was rocky and challenging, but this team is good at caring for one another, so all made it to the first summit. From the heights we were able to see the Jordan where it is believed that John the Baptist baptized Jesus, Elijah ascended into heaven and the Israelites crossed. After the teachings some went back to the bus while the rest of us completed the summit. Definitely some rock climbing going on. However, as we neared the top the mountain was covered with grass and flowers which pushed us toward the summit. Just like any other challenging journey, the view from the top was amazing. The 1,000 foot climb was well worth the effort.
After loading back into the bus we grabbed lunch and hit Ein Gedi. This beautiful park was alive with people, wild animals, and living water. We were taught about Sukkot and were asked “if we’re wet from living water or simply sipping at it”. Like most pilgrims we closed down the park, but not before diving into the waterfalls that spring out of the desert.
Ein Gedi
En Gedi is the largest oasis along the western shore of the Dead Sea. The springs here have allowed nearly continuous inhabitation of the site since the Chalcolithic period. The area was allotted to the tribe of Judah, and was famous in the time of Solomon (Josh 15:62). Today the Israeli kibbutz of En Gedi sits along the southern bank of the Nahal Arugot.
The day ended a bit painfully at the Dead Sea. The team, minus our Rabbi, all ventured in, faced the pain, experienced healing and celebrated the end of our desert journey.
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.
Coming into the desert I was afraid of the challenging landscape, harsh conditions and the climate. I left the desert understanding that only in this place can I experience the beauty of God’s generous provision and powerful love for me. Tomorrow we head to the Sea of Galilee.
Tamara Ramirez
Leader of Outreach for Riverside Church
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