Day 06 - Madaba, Mt. Nebo

The first things I saw when I woke up in my Martian tent were the twinkling stars and glowing moon. I was more than happy to get up early to experience the sunrise over Wadi Rum in a hot air balloon. The breathtaking views over God’s creation were another reminder of how good He is and how thankful I am for the wonders of this earth. We heard stories about different movies filmed here but the best story of all is how God walked with the Israelites in this desert on the way to the promised land. 

We found a seat on the bus and headed north to Madaba. We were going to follow the possible route of the Israelites all the way to Mt. Nebo. Numbers 33. Our devotion was from Psalm 114 and we were reminded of His power, might, and majesty.

Rich read Numbers 21 as we overlooked Wadi Zared. Somewhere in this area the Sons of Israel camped and once again Moses interceded and the Lord redeemed. 

Along our journey, Mohammed taught us about Islam, the land, and the Jordanian culture. We saw Bedouin camps and learned more about their nomadic life. We saw a flock following their shepherd and were reminded of John 10:27. The goats crossed the highway behind their shepherd. What an example of trust. How much do we trust our shepherd?

Rich L. talked about the flood story of Genesis. The Lord pushed up the mountains and waters came down from above recreating the earth. He offered up three theories of Mt. Sinai for our consideration. He discussed the ten reasons the Magi may have come from Saudi. So much to dream about as we fell asleep on the bus. 

We ate lunch in Madaba, the Mosaic city, an ancient city where Christians and Muslims live in community. This is the home of The Jesus mosque. We had lunch in a house restaurant where I enjoyed my favorite salad made from yogurt, eggplant, and crispy pita chips. We shared the magluba and cookies and Fatima shared the recipes. The Muslims and Christians live in community here. I reiterate… God calls us to live in community. 

Our last biblical stop was at Mt. Nebo where we looked over the Rift Valley. We could see the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Jericho, and Amman. This is where the Israelites camped and Moses looked over at the Promised Land before God buried him somewhere on the mountain. His epitaph in Deut. 34 gives me comfort and hope. 

Our last teaching was so “Rich”. He taught from Numbers 22 and 23, the story of the prophet Balaam. The Israelites were set apart, preserved, experienced victory, and are the lineage of the Messiah, our Christ and Savior. The Abrahamic covenant is unbroken. He is a faithful and loving God that redeems His people. 

It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to the land and my new family. But I rejoice that we are bound for the promise land and will be reunited.

Shalom Shalom!