Water in the Desert

Today’s activities included:

1. Hiking the Wadi Zohar
2. Climbing to the fortress, Masada
3. Splashing in the waterfalls of Engedi
4. Swimming in the Dead Sea

After hiking through the astounding rock formations of the Wadi Zohar, learning about God’s faithfulness in the desert as we read Deuteronomy 8, climbing endless stairs to the rewarding sight at the top of King Herod’s ancient castle Masada, and filling a deserted water reservoir to the brim with thirty voices singing the doxology in breathtaking harmony, we weren’t sure today could get much better. However, as per usual, Ben and Stacie had plenty of surprises left up their sleeves and our adventure was far from over.

Beginning our third hike of the day, we followed our leaders deeper into the Judean wilderness watching the foliage at our sides grow greener and the wildlife become more lively as we spotted ibex and rock badgers in the cliffs surrounding us. Soon our ears were surprised by the delightful sound of falling water and rounding the corner we were met by the most beautiful sight our dry eyes and tired legs could have imagined: The waterfalls of Engedi. The same Engedi that sheltered David as he hid from King Saul in 1 Samuel 24 and whose blossoms are mentioned in Song of Songs.

Sitting near the first set of falls, we sat down for a moment to learn from Stacie about the meaning of living water, or water that in bible times was considered truly holy. She explained that it couldn’t come from a well or be found in a reservoir of collected rainwater – it had to flow “straight from the hand of God,” welling up out of a natural spring. As you can imagine, these water sources aren’t exactly an easy find in the desert, yet moments later we were splashing in refreshing pools of water and letting the waterfall drum on our heads and tired shoulders. Lying in the cooling water at the base of the waterfall, I began to understand what God was getting at when he decided to use living water as a metaphor for his goodness. I felt like a whole new person; My strength was restored, my body rejuvenated, and my heart was filled with joy at the beauty of the earth God created.

The term living water has taken on a slightly different meaning since bible times, and rather than having to hike into the wilderness to find it at a remote spring, we have access to this living water everyday. It’s in our bibles and it’s more refreshing than the coolest of waterfalls. Yet, so often we go through our days without stopping for a single sip if this living water.

After spending some quality time in the desert, I’ve learned the value of water and the way the dusty earth makes my dry throat crave it and need it every other moment. In the same way, I want my heart and my mind to long for the living water found in the words of the bible. Today I relished in the springs of Engedi and relaxed in its cooling waters, yet the goodness of that moment can’t be compared to the living water in these words from John 4:

“Whoever drinks this water will grow thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never grow thirsty, indeed the water I give him will become a in him a spring of water welling up into eternal life.”

Today, I long to be filled with longing for the living water of bible; In the midst of the deserts of busyness, pride, envy, family conflicts, loneliness, or even in the joy of friendship and adventurous experiences, I want to start and end the day by soaking in God’s refreshing and life-giving words.

Jessie Kooyers