September 11, 2011
Today was a great day of travel. While my mind was on the remembrance of 9-11 my heart was clearly in the moment in Israel.
Our day began with a great breakfast in which I discovered halvah. It’s a sesame seed and honey mix, and baked into a pastry, it’s to die for. I had seven!
After breakfast we went nearly the length of Israel, heading down the highway along the Jordon river, seeing the many date palms and banana trees. At times we could see the boarder between Israel and Jordon, with army patrols along the fence.
Finally we arrived at our first stop – Masada. While Masada is not a biblical site, it is surely a testimony to a people who feel they should be slaves to no one, except the Most High God. Here, the last of the Jewish rebels held out against Rome, for six months as Rome built encampments far below.
Imagining their meeting in their synagogue as the Roman siege ramp neared completion is sobering. How do you decide to kill your own wife and children, and then your closest friends? Such commitment to something higher than themselves is attractive and moves one to consider one’s own commitment level.
From Masada we went to The Dead Sea. Doron mentioned more than once that the water level in the Sea is extremely low. When you see it, you understand exactly what he is talking about.
Still, it was fun for the people on the tour to get into the water and be amazed at their own buoyancy and forming a chain as they floated.
Some even dared cover themselves with the black mud so they might emerge more beautiful. That’s a matter of opinion, I am sure.
After the swim in the sea we went to the Qumran community and saw a film on their way of life. The film conjectured that John the Baptist was one of their own, but such speculation is just that – speculation. We walked to see the caves, and we were especially near the one where the boys found the majority of the scrolls.
Doron noted the sovereignty of God in uncovering this. I noted the God’s work in preserving his word. At the Qumran community, I presented the devotion that had been blown away – literally blown away – on The Sea of Galilee the day before.
This time it was clear and well-received, as I spoke of how Jesus is our refuge, suggesting that the Cities of Refuge were named by God with Christ in mind. Chuck lead several songs as we sat in the community. Thanks for praying for me as I minister here.
As you think of it, pray also for Chuck, Sunday was the second anniversary of the death of his wife, Kathy. He was quiet today.
From there we headed to Jericho where we had opportunity to buy Hebronic glass. We saw the Mount of Temptation, just outside of Jericho.
This Palestinian area is very different than the rest of Israel. We also saw the sycamore tree – not the one Zacchaeus climbed, but the Palestinians selling postcards and figs would like you to think that the wee little man climbed that very tree.
By this time we were getting pretty punchy, singing the song that bears Zacchaeus’ name. While in the store we sampled Turkish Coffee, one of Bobbie’s passions. Doron loaded her up with two cups and she was bouncing around in the bus. I took a video of it and will post it if she is not nice to me. 😉
Now, on to Jerusalem. As we went up to Jerusalem, we passed many Bedouin camps. Their lifestyle is so foreign to us, it would be fascinating to visit them. As we came closer to Jerusalem, we passed the place Jesus lived while in the area – Bethany. Then, on the final ascent to the city Mike, our driver, put in a CD of the song, “Jerusalem,” as the sun set. It was thoroughly moving as we all sang the parts we knew, eyes sparkling with something between tears and excitement to arrive in the holy city.
Upon our arrival we got settled in our rooms and went to dinner. It was a good day. We look forward to exploring the city tomorrow.
Thanks for your prayers – particularly for the devotional time. It was much improved today.
