Masada and Bedouin Hospitality

Today was amazing! There was a lot of excitement among the group during breakfast as we prepared to hike the infamous Masada. There are two ways up, one via cable car, the other walking up the snake path. The snake path is less than a mile (which I was extremely disappointed to learn) but it is an elevation gain of 1,300 feet! In less than a mile! There were 19 of us that conquered the snake path, it was very hot and tiring but well worth the victory.
Masada has an amazing history. Our guide Ronan is such a good story teller, he makes history come live. Masada, meaning stronghold, is settled high above the Dead Sea in an area once used as a cross roads for trade from Africa to Rome. We learned later in Masada’s history the Zealots sought refuge from Roman rule in the abandoned city. Not wanting to be slaves in the Roman Empire, ten men were chosen to kill all the residents, then one of those men was chosen to kill the other nine. He then killed himself, they intentionally chose death over slavery.
Ronan shared that Masada is a symbol of freedom in Israeli culture, they hike as youth, in school, and the military in memory “Masada will not fall again!”

After Masada, we loaded up the busses, everyone very sweaty and headed to experience Bedouin Hospitality. Here we rode camels, had lunch and got to experience what hospitality looked like to Abraham, Issac and Jacob.

“The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.” Gen 18:1-2

Reading these verses in a tent similar to Abraham’s, in the location where he lived, in the heat of the day brings this story to life. No longer are we reading these pages unable to relate. We sat in the tent, we felt the heat (it is very hot), we now understand what it means to be taken in and cared for in this desert. Ronan challenged us, be hospitable. In today’s age, we are taught: don't talk to strangers and lock your doors. Our call however is stated in Hebrews 13:2 “do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without even knowing it.” This happened to Abraham and can happen to us as well, if we also show hospitality without an agenda.

You would think this was a full day, but we aren’t finished yet! After the Bedouin Hospitality tent we went back to our hotel and changed into our swimsuits! It was time for a swim, or should I say float. Our hotel is located on the Dead Sea, so we walked down as a white robed group (look for the pictures) and went for a float. You guys, it was awesome! I thought you could float but it’s not even an option, all you can do is float.

It’s only Day 2 and the conversations, learning and growth has felt like weeks worth. I can’t believe this is just the beginning of our trip, I can’t wait to see what else God has in store for us!

Madison Dwyer