Israel Study Tour with Crossings Community Church

February 12-24, 2017

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En Gedi & Qumran: Refreshing Contentment

Within the wilderness and the bitter taste of the Dead Sea, there is a comforting oasis, known as "En Gedi." As soon as you enter En Gedi, you see and hear what is missing in the surrounding areas: rich green colors, active wildlife, and the sound of fresh-falling spring water. Perhaps the author of Psalm 42 was thinking of a place like this, when he wrote, "As the deer pants for flowing streams of, so my soul longs after You, O God."

Though En Gedi sits near the Dead Sea, it presents a remarkable contrast to its stagnant, bitter and lifeless water. Here, wildlife is all around, especially that of the rock badger (coney) and ibex, who roam freely. Fresh water runs off the nearby mountains, providing a place of refreshment in an otherwise cruel environment. In fact, this spot was a popular pit-stop for anyone nearby, especially armies moving either north or south (2 Chronicles 20:1-2).

En Gedi is also mentioned in 1 Samuel 24, where a well-known story about Saul's pursuit of David occurred. As Saul entered a cave to relieve himself, he had no idea David was hiding in the same place. As David's men encouraged him to take Saul's life, David instead cut off a corner of Saul's garment, but then felt convicted, as he knew he should not mess with God's anointed. Though David had been anointed as Saul's successor, he refused to take matters into his own hands, and wait instead on the Lord's timing.

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.

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After we listened to a reading of that passage, mixed with the sound of the waterfall, Pastor Terry exhorted us to follow David's example of doing things God's way, not our own; to wait for God's timing instead of forcing our own way. He reminded us that God cares more about HOW we do things than the results. He does not measure us by our results, but by our faithfulness. David was called to be king, not because he was mighty, but because he was faithful, especially when tempted to move in his own direction.

Synagogue:
Just across the street from the main part of En Gedi are the remains of a synagogue, along with a model of what it once looked like. We were fascinated by the history of this place, as well as the details of things like the tiny tiles that made up the floor, and remain intact to this day.

Just before leaving the synagogue, we talked more about this oasis in the desert, as Terry reminded us that we who belong to Christ can be "little En Gedis" to those around us, who are experiencing "deserts" in their own lives. We don't do this to earn the Life offered to us, but to extend the Life we have in our Savior who says, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me."

Qumran:
In 1947, a shepherd was walking near the northwest end of the Dead Sea. Picking up a rock, he threw it into a nearby cave, and heard glass break. What he found was one of the most important discoveries in the history of Biblical studies: the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Before 1947, the earliest Hebrew manuscripts in existence came from the 10th century. The Dead Sea Scrolls, however, date back to a first century community, who transcribed Hebrew manuscripts for every book except Esther. When matched to what we had in the 20th century, they were found to validate the accuracy of the transmission we have! (You may have heard in the last week that a 12th cave has been found, believed to have once housed more manuscripts).

In our modern time, there is now a site the public can tour, not only recounting the 1947 story, but also offering insights into the ancient community responsible for copying the manuscripts preserved for almost 2,000 years. In addition to the biblical manuscripts, other writings were also recovered, which provide clues into the nature of this highly-disciplined religious community.

Qumran Caves

Allegedly discovered by a Bedouin shepherd chasing a stray, the initial Dead Sea Scrolls found here changed the study of the Old Testament.

The seven scrolls discovered in this cave were the Manual of Discipline, War of Sons of Light, Thanksgiving Scroll, Isaiah A and B, Genesis Apocryphon and Habakkuk Commentary.

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So as we closed-out the visit, Terry highlighted two important things about what we know about this group:

  1. They intentionally lived in harsh conditions.
  2. They had very little possessions.

And though we do not seek harsh conditions or times of need, it is important that we embrace them when they come our way. For faith is often formed in harsh conditions. When our need for God is on the forefront of our minds, our faith in Him grows.

So as the rain began to fall (again!), and we closed-out our visit to Qumran, we meditated on two important questions: How much is enough? Do I know what is sufficient for me?

Then we heard the words of Proverbs 30:8-9:

"Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Feed me with the food that is needful for me,
Lest I be full and deny You and say, "Who is the Lord?"
Or lest I be poor and steal
And profane the name of my God."

Yesterday we saw that Herod had everything, but he really had nothing.
Today we were reminded: if we have Christ and nothing else, we have everything!

PS: Tonight we arrived at the Sea of Galilee, where we will stay for the next few days. Pray that our travels all around Galilee will be as rich and meaningful as our Dead Sea experience.

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