No word of the Lord returns void

Today was day three of our trip. We started our day out with a trip to Ein Gedi, a place that is an oasis of fresh water in the middle of the desert. Many people have a picture in their mind of an oasis looking a certain way; being there in reality was very interesting. We have been learning so much about the desert region of Israel during the past few days; and have learned how crucial water is in this dry and barren environment. In addition, we've been learning about the different types of water in this region.

Cisterns are commonly used in dry areas as a way to store water during dry seasons. This water can become stale after many months of storage. But then there is "living water"- fresh bubbling water that is flows from a spring. Ein Gedi is an example of this - fresh flowing spring water in the middle of the desert.

Ein Gedi is also the place where David spent time hiding from Saul in caves (many caves were visible to us as we hiked).

As a group, we talked about Psalm 42: "As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you. ...why are you downcast, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?" It was a beautiful moment for us to see this place that David would have been acquainted with as he wrote that lament psalm.

Just as Ein Gedi is a spring in the desert, David was expressing that he longs for God as a deer would thirst for water in the desert. And likewise, We can turn to God (our living water) during times of spiritual thirst. I (Lauren) have spent time studying this Psalm in seminary and contemplating its spiritual implications in my line of work. Standing in the place that likely inspired this Psalm was so moving to me.

We also got to visit the Qumran valley -made famous by the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls which were found in the late nineteen-forties. The Dead Sea Scrolls were meticulously copied by a group of sectarian Jews named the Essenes. When these Scrolls were found they authenticated the validity and historical accuracy of the Old Testament. These Scrolls date back to 200 BC (our tour guide Ronan told us that before their discovery, the oldest known manuscripts only dated to 1000 AD) so the significance of these Scrolls were profound.

When I (Josh) was about to preach my first sermon, my father in law (a seasoned minister) quoted a passage of Isaiah to me which said: "the word of the Lord never returns void." As a pastor I often wonder if my words are really getting through to people, and if what I do will be significant or remembered. Being in Qumran and studying the life and legacy of The Essenes through the Dead Sea Scrolls encouraged me today because (although their words were written in private) thousands of years later they would be used to confirm biblical accuracy and the authenticity of scripture. Truly, no word of the Lord returns void.

We were also able to experience Jericho, visiting a sycamore tree and reflecting on the history of the city (believed by some to be the oldest city in the world, due to archaeological finds dating back millennia).

We also visited the Jordan river: the place where the Israelites crossed into the promised land, and where John later baptized Jesus. We spent some time reading different passages of scripture on the bank of the river and reflecting on its significance. Our hearts are overflowing with joy: this trip has already been the adventure of a lifetime!

Shalom!
Josh & Lauren Dolarian