Legacy Path Tour

June 22 - July 3, 2015

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Walking in the desert

Today we woke to the gift of a cool morning in the desert, and a little friend in the hotel parking lot. This abnormal summer weather only added to the beauty that the desert revealed. With clouds passing overhead and sun-rays lighting an enormous valley, we hiked into one of the most barren landscapes on earth. Not a tree could be seen and with a small family of ibexes for company, we traversed to the valley floor listening to voice of the Lord as we went. After several stops and faith lessons, the theme of the desert began to emerge. This is where we meet with God. This is the place we cry out often desperately. And it is the place where we need each other most.

Our journey continued as we experienced bedouin hospitality and realized the call to practice hospitality in our world. We continue to get to know one another and have had many occasions to practice “loving one another” in our setting. While diverse, each of us has certainly experienced the joy of community. From there, we journeyed to the fortress Masada. The temperature rose but the team excelled on the challenging hike. We “besieged” the fortress and learned an importance piece of Israel’s history laying a foundation to understand the culture and economy at the time of Jesus.

Masada

The summit of Masada sits 190 feet (59 m) above sea level and about 1,500 feet (470 m) above the level of the Dead Sea. The mountain itself is 1950 feet (610 m) long, 650 feet (200 m) wide, 4,250 feet (1330 m) in circumference, and encompasses 23 acres. The “Snake Path” climbs 900 feet (280 m) in elevation. From the west, the difference in height is 225 feet (70 m).

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Finally, we dove headlong (or gently sat down) into a final experience for the day, floating in the Dead Sea. The surreal feeling of bobbing in the strangely clear and oily water revealed the creativity and provision of God; as well as any cuts, scrapes, or rashes gathered along the way. Finishing with a good meal, we bless God for another great day of walking the land and meeting with Him. His daily provision is what we need and it is all we need. The desert is hard but in it we discover a gracious and loving Father who cares enough to discipline His kids. God knows that in divine discipline, He is shaping both individual hearts and generational legacy. Lord, let us never miss the blessing of the desert.

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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As for the group’s health and energy, all is well. We have truly been blessed and are asking God to continue speaking. Thanks for your prayers! We miss you!

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