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Israel Study Tour with Bridges for Peace, Central Life Church, Lighthouse Christian Church, Village Bible Church
June 18-29, 2017
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Where have we compromised
Today some of us started out with an abrupt teaching moment of the traditions on the sabbath! If you get in the "Shabbat Elevator" don't press any buttons! That's considered work...and they may or may not smack your hand down and scold you in Hebrew :) - if you weren't awake yet, you definitely were after that!
After a delicious breakfast we journeyed to Masada with the best tour guide and bus driver in all the land, Ronen and Meir. Some of the group decided to hike up the mountain and others took the gondola. Before starting the hike, Pastor Randy spoke to the hikers about the struggle and toll it would take physically on our way up and related that to our spiritual journey with Christ (Isaiah 40:30-31). The hot desert sun beating down on us, the reddish rocks of the mountain, the absence of trees, and the light blue hues of the Dead Sea and sky set the stage for Ronen painting the picture of what Masada was like back in the "good ol' days." Ronen talked to us about Masada's strategic location on the top of the hill, its relation to major roads/passageways, its importance for trade during Herod's reign, and the stronghold it was to the Jews when Rome pressed on to conquer the land. From Masada we continued on to Mount Arad.
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).
On the top of Mount Arad was a tel, where Pastor Andrew gave a lesson about the history of the area and worshipping God. Back then, God was going to tell His people exactly where to build His place of worship and how they should worship, but that wasn't on Mount Arad. Archeological digs have revealed that they worshipped other gods at this temple. The people of Arad compromised. Where in our lives have we compromised? Where have we gone astray from worshipping solely our Heavenly Father? Ronen then taught us about what hospitality looked like during that time - with an emphasis on Abraham and Lot. He contrasted that to our present society and how our westernized, individualistic mindset with the iPad, iPhone (I know what you're thinking - iKnow - because you know best) has kept friendships from happening, communities from bonding, etc. Wrapping up at Arad, we headed back to our hotel on the shore of the Dead Sea. You know what that means!? Floating time!
Tel Arad
Like many cities in the Holy Land, Arad was repeatedly settled because of its strategic geographical location. Though situated in an area with little rainfall, Arad was inhabited frequently in ancient times because of its position along the routes coming from the east and southeast.
Upon arriving at the hotel and getting ready, we all headed down to the Dead Sea to float and relax under the sun! The warm water, slight sulfuric smell, cloudless sky, and views of the surrounding mountains provided the perfect backdrop to recline and let the water cradle you in its palm. Thanks to Ronen, we all got to lather up with some Dead Sea mud, making our skin as smooth as a baby's ...
A perfect ending to yet another incredible day here in Israel!
Brian Diaz
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