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Jordan & Israel
August 31 - September 12, 2019
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Faith and perseverance
This morning as the sun rose in the east over the mountains of Moab and shining down on the Dead Sea was a special sight to behold. It marked the beginning of another day of adventure in Israel.
After breakfast we walked down to the water’s edge and Rich lead us in a time of reflection and discussion. The insights people shared were different than usual because of being ‘on location’. It’s such a different perspective here. One that we wish every Christ follower could experience. The Bible goes from black and white to in color when you are here.
We arrived at Masada and rode to the top on the tram. In AD 67 the Hasmoneans staved off the Roman legions for three years in a glorious act of freedom. Today the story is still revered by the Jewish people as a statement of faith and perseverance. This is the land God gave them thousands of years ago and gave it to them again on May 14, 1948. We are alive during amazing prophetic fulfillment.
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).
We then experienced the refreshing cool oasis of EIN Gedi. We learned about Mayim Chayim, living water. This place has provided life giving spring water for generations, famously known as the place David spared the life of King Saul. From there we explored Qumran, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found in 1947. The most important archeological find for Jews and Christians.
Before we journeyed north to the Galilee we stopped in the lower Jordan area, the sight of the Children of Israel crossing into the Promised land under Joshua’s leadership. It was thrilling to hear Rich tell the story and then to make everyone aware that this was also the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. In the land of the Bible the pieces are really coming together.
Ein Gedi
En Gedi is the largest oasis along the western shore of the Dead Sea. The springs here have allowed nearly continuous inhabitation of the site since the Chalcolithic period. The area was allotted to the tribe of Judah, and was famous in the time of Solomon (Josh 15:62). Today the Israeli kibbutz of En Gedi sits along the southern bank of the Nahal Arugot.
Our last stop before the Galilee was at Jericho. It is a Palestinian community today. We were treated with wonderful hospitality to include, dates, gifts, and Knafe’ (a sweet dessert). What a day! So full, so tiring, so amazing!
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