Desert Day

Today's theme was "DESERT". We not only learned about the desert but we experienced it and developed a much better appreciation for how God protected and provided for the Israelites as they came out of Egypt. And we learned how God has used the desert as a place to develop obedience among his people.

We started by going to Masada, a mountain top fortress and palace. Several of us hiked up the "snake trail" to the top while the rest rode up in a gondola. We learned about King Herod the Great who created the three decadent palaces on top of the mountain that he probably only used once. Then we learned the story of the Zealots who tried to overthrow Rome and ended up defending Masada for 3 years until the Romans built a ramp to better attack. When defeat became eminent those defenders decided to take their own lives instead of giving up freedom. As we know the story of the Alamo, this story is central to Israel's ongoing fight to maintain its freedom and territory.

Next we experienced Bedouin hospitality beginning with a camel ride which was AWESOME! Then we sat on pillows in a large Bedouin tent and were served tea, Turkish coffee and pan bread that was made in front of us as our local guide Ronen shared about hospitality and how we all need to be more hospitable in our daily lives without ulterior motives or return expectations.

We next went to Tel Arad which is the ruins of an ancient city near where Abraham lived. It was cool to think that Abraham likely interacted with and traded in this city even though it was a pagan/Cananite city at the time. We learned about how family units functioned by studying the ruins of multi-room structures. Mark tied the old Patriarch system of family to Abraham and to the concept of First Born that we see through the Bible. And there we also saw the ruins of a smaller version of the temple in Jerusalem complete with an altar, a Holy Place and a Holy of Holies.

Finally after a hot but very rewarding day we had the opportunity to go swimming in the Dead Sea which is right in front of our hotel. The people of Israel actually call it the Salt Sea but technically it is not a sea at all but a lake. This is the lowest place on earth and the temperature as we got ready to go swimming was about 110 degrees. The water in the dead see becomes VERY salty since the water has no place to go so you can float on your back with your head and arms completely out of the water. The Dead Sea reminded me how we should never become stagnant, always allowing God to be a spring of living water flowing into and out of our lives each day.

We had another great dinner (has anyone mentioned how great the food has been?) then wrapped up the day with a session to review the sights, sounds and experiences of the first two days. Bro Burt exhorted us to consider how we are going to incorporate these things we are learning into our lives going forward.

I am so thankful to be able to experience this life-changing trip. I will never be the same. The Bible has come alive for me as never before. The months long preparation and the 9 lessons gave me a whole new understanding of what was happening and why and where it took place geographically. The Holy Spirit has been able to guide me and teach me more clearly than ever before. There is a  special anointing and presence of the Lord in Israel and I am so very thankful that I am able to take part in this journey. 

David and Lisa Smith