We can be living water to one another

Welcome to our second day in Israel! The team had an exciting day from start to finish. We got plenty of sleep last night so we were ready to go, bright and early. We started with another delicious buffet at our hotel, then headed over to Beersheba. Before seeing the site, Pastor Joe led us in a devotion. We discussed what we thought were meaningful moments for the day before. Several individuals who responded said that what we learned about Samson was most impactful. Life shouldn’t be done alone. We need community, we need each other to fulfill the mission that God has called us to. Joe continued by reminding us that, with a firm foundation, a structure can stand the test of time. As we look at the remains of ancient civilizations, we see that the ones that have remained strong through the centuries have had that foundation. He encouraged us to not be self-centered like Samson, but to be God-centered like David. That is a firm foundation that will stand the test of time.

From there, we entered what used to be Abraham’s home, Beersheba. Pastor Ralph taught us how Abraham trusted God and came to a land he did not know, ready for God to show him what to do. When Abraham traveled here, he had community. He pitched his tent and built an altar to the Lord. However, not too long after he arrived in Beersheba, the land suffered from famine and even war. Pastor Ralph reminded us that hardship does not mean you’re outside God’s will. God prospers us deeply, even through the hardships. Even when we struggle and get off track, God calls us back to his path, the one he calls us to follow.

Our second stop for the day was the fortress at Masada. In order to get to this location, we followed the road east all the way to the Dead Sea. As we drove, we saw markers on the cliffs beside us showing how far below sea level we were. Opposite the sprawling Dead Sea, are the cliffs surrounding Masada. This was a fortress built by King Herod in order to store his treasures and food and also featured not one, but three palaces and a bath house, including a spa with heated walls. We learned about the Roman conquest of the fortress after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. After Jerusalem fell, there were 967 refugees who hid from the Romans at Masada. They lived there, stating that they’d rather die than become slaves to the Roman Empire. The writings of Josephus offer further study into this site.

Our third spot was just up the road, at Ein Gedi. We ate a picnic lunch provided by our guides, then began walking. This natural preserve’s name literally means “the spring of the little wild goats.” We saw dozens of these little goats as we walked to the site. Yehuda and Pastor Joe taught us about the Biblical significance of where we were standing. When King Saul was hunting for David seeking to kill him, David hid in these hills, more often than not, writing the Psalms that we’ve become so familiar with. Psalm 63 - “LORD, I thirst for you in a dry and parched land.” When we first saw these cliffs and caves we thought of how dry and barren they looked, but as we kept walking we discovered springs of water that spanned all the way up the path. Living water flows all throughout Ein Gedi. Pastor Ralph taught that even when we’re in the desert in our own lives, God’s provision is present, even when we can’t see it. In the desert, there are springs of water for refreshing because God is good and he provides for his people. Pastor Ralph’s heart is that we as a church family be an Ein Gedi community. That even when life feels like a desert, we have each other. We can be living water to one another as we walk this life together.

Our day ended at our hotel, which just so happens to sit right on the Dead Sea. A big group of us went out to float in the Sea itself, while others of us opted to stay indoors for the heated pools. Either way, entering the waters of the Dead Sea is a very unique experience, something we’ll never forget.

This evening begins Shabbat here in Israel. We are off to rest up for another day of exploration and learning. Once again, thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate them and cannot wait to share with you in the days to come.

Have a wonderful evening!

The Lifebridge Team