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Israel Study Tour with Grace Bible Church Ann Arbor
February 7-17, 2020
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What can we learn in the wilderness?
We were blessed with the first glorious sunshine of the trip as we left the Dead Sea this morning!
The bus headed west to Ein Gedi, a nature reserve where David hid in the strongholds to escape King Saul (1 Samuel 23-24). As we studied under an Acacia tree, we heard flowing water in the distance. We traversed the rocky desert area and discovered a beautiful waterfall where Pastor Ty encouraged us to reflect on the wilderness in our own lives and the healing power of “the living water” that only Jesus can provide.
The images of the water flowing through these desert rocks and giving life to the broom trees being sustained in the path of the water likely inspired the images David used in the Psalms 1, 43 and 63.
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.
Next, we traveled to Qumran caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. The Essene sect lived and worked in these isolated caves to set themselves apart to await the Messiah’s arrival. They created the scrolls, copies of Scripture, dating back to the first century BC. The scrolls prove the accuracy of our translation of Scriptures today and Israel’s claim to the promised land.
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.
Then we visited the Lower Jordan River where it is believed, based on scripture, Jesus was baptized. Here Ronen Ben Moshe (the best tour guide ever) pointed out the alignment of several Bible stories that happened in this area including Joshua bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land, Elijah passing the mantel to Elisha, John the Baptist calling people to repent and finally, Jesus’ baptism. God’s spirit led all the people in these historical accounts and then fully descended on Jesus in the form of a dove. What a site to see white doves still flying along the river today!
At the Jordan River we mixed with people of all races, ethnicities and religions who were visiting to learn, be baptized or simply touch the water. Also, two soldiers who were guarding the border of Israel and Jordan stood-by. As we read aloud scripture, it stuck us that the power of the Word was even greater than the weapons the guards were carrying.
Our day ended with a bonus stop in Jericho (no walls, remember they fell down!) We gazed upon the Mount of Temptation where it is thought Jesus was tested during his 40 days in the wilderness. We enjoyed the Arab hospitality and shopping.
Today we left the wilderness having learned that He is always enough and that He will sustain us.
Tonight, we are sleeping in a kibbutz along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Our team is safe, well fed and sharing lots of laughter.
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