Day 03 - Negev Desert, Part 2

“This is what the Lord says, ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert, through a land not sown.’” – Jeremiah 2:2

Today we followed God through the desert, pressing into the theme of obedience. Instead of seeing the Israelites’ wandering as a punishment, we talked about those 40 years being the honeymoon of God and the Israelites. God led them through the desert to spend time with them, teaching about His love and the obedience He required of them.

We hiked up a hill and sat in a rock cleft as we learned how Moses’ ascension of Mount Sinai for the 10 Commandments mirrors the Jewish wedding ceremony. Looking out over layers of rock and intriguing windswept formations, we reflected on the law as God’s love letter to us.

Then we hiked down to a copper mine and Egyptian temple from around the 13 century BC, more hints at the fascinating history of this part of the world. Next, we walked through a replica of the tabernacle. Seeing this central part of our faith come to life was amazing! Our guide explained that many of the images and traditions of that holy place foreshadowed Jesus’ coming.

For example, the items in the holy of holies:

-          Aaron’s staff = Jesus as the high priest

-          Manna= Jesus as the bread of life

-          10 Commandment= Jesus as the fulfillment of the law

After lunch, we went out hiking in the desert again. We sat under the “mushroom rock” and read about the 7 times that Moses went up Mount Sinai. The last time, at the number of completion, God told Moses to keep the Sabbath day holy. God wanted the Israelites to take a whole day to rest with Him. That was the final direction that God gave Moses on Mt. Sinai.

We discussed how hard it must have been for the Israelites to accept God’s rest. They had lived as slaves for hundreds of years. In that context, resting was punished. It was a foreign concept to them. Our two themes for the day, obedience and rest, came together in the idea of sonship and daughtership.

When you know your father loves you, it’s easy to obey him. When you know your father will provide for you, it’s easy to rest in him. Then we were given time to reflect and talk with our loving Father.

Shabbat Shalom!