Israel 2022 - Reflection #35 - Dead Sea

 

We had just spent the day trudging through the hot, hot, hot, desert wasteland of the wilderness when at the end of our day we made a stop at the Dead Sea. I would have loved to jump in the water, but my insulin pump would not have reacted well to the salt water. It was WAY TOO MUCH OF A RISK. BUT, I really enjoyed the time, sitting and fellowshipping with others in the group. 

We just spent 10 days together, but there have been few groups of people I have grown to know and love as much as these people. I rejoice, praising God for allowing me to be a part of this group. In a time when there is no unity in diversity, this group set the standard for what life of unity could be like! We were young, just starting ministry and old (me) trying to finish our lives strong in the faith. We were black, white, male, female, single, married, and from a wide variety of economic and faith backgrounds. But, the Lord brought us together in unity. 

In John 17:20-26, just before the march toward the cross, Jesus prayed for us! This group is a direct answer to that prayer. I cannot read this prayer without thinking of each person in this group:

' “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will

ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all

be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and

I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe

you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they

may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May

they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that

you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me

where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me

because you loved me even before the world began! “O

righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and

these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them,

and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them,

and I will be in them.”' John 17:20-26
https://my.bible.com/bible/116/JHN.17.20-26

I pray that each person in this group and each believer beyond this group has the opportunity to be a part of a fellowship of believers that fulfills this prayer. I pray each of you experiences unity in your church congregations. I pray you will experience the glory of the Lord through other faithful believers. We know the world does not know the Father, but I know the people in this group know the Lord and the Lord continues to be revealed to them. I know they are each working hard to create a divine unity of believers. Praise God for this group!

The meeting of the MINDS! HAHAHA! I think we solved all the worlds problems on this day!

Yes, peace, relaxation and just kicking back at the Dead Sea!

It may not be Siesta Key, but the beach was awesome and a great respite from a crazy busy schedule!

Israel 2022 - Reflection #34 - Qumran

 

As the story goes, in 1946 two Bedouins were watching their sheep near the cliffs of Qumran. One of the sheep wandered off into a cave. The Bedouin hear the sheep in a cave and began throwing rocks into the cave to draw the sheep out. He heard smashing sound of something being broken and went in to investigate. Inside the cave he found a broken vessel and some leather (parchment). Not being able to read and not knowing what else to do, the Bedouins took the leather to a shoe shop to make some sandals. The person making the shoes was somewhat of a historian type and recognized the writing. He bought the leather from the Bedouins along with all the other contents of the seven vessels found in the cave. He took the "scrolls" to a local Christian Syriac church and they identified the writing and the scripture. One of the books found was 70 feet long and contained the entire book of Isaiah. The contents of four of the vessels was sold to the Syriac Bishop for $150. Meanwhile the others were sold and eventually brought a price of $250,000.  Since the 1950s the ecavations at Qumran have identified 900 copies of the Old Testament books dating over 2000 years old. The oldest found copies, up to that point, were merely 1000 years old. This was such a significant find both in the Jewish and the Christian Community. 

The key point to me?  The content of the Old Testament has survived for over 2000 years with very little change. Doesn't that point to the authenticity of its message? AND since so many of these passages predict the coming Messiah, JESUS, can't we also use this wonderful SCIENTIFIC evidence to support the historical accuracy of God coming down to us and saving us from our sins? The power of the words of the Holy Scriptures endures the passing of time. The power of those words, speaks to our hearts, our bodies, and our minds. If we allow it to do its work, it will change us and the world around us. 

As I grow older and older and spend more and more time in the word of God, I am more aware of its power in my life. This power is beyond any need for scientific evidence. The writings in Gospels and the rest of the New Testament have a similar background as these Old Testament, ancient, writings. They point to what really happened and not things of legend. We don't need any scientific evidence to tell us what happened. We have an eyewitness account from people that were there. They saw the miracles. They saw Jesus and they lived with him.  The GOOD NEWS, even two thousand years after Jesus walked this earth, I, too, have seen the awesome power of God in my life. No one can take that away from me.  

'All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is

true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects

us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God

uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.2 Timothy 3:16-17 https://my.bible.com/bible/116/2TI.3.16-17

I pray that my life will reflect the words printed in our Scriptures. I pray the power of these words will direct me closer to Jesus and the life he would have me lead. I pray I will have opportunities to continue to share what Jesus has done for me through this wonderful book. It is not the power of this book that is amazing, it is the power of the God of the universe, his son, and the Spirit that transforms me every day. 

I am mesmerized by the desert of Israel. This parched and dry land is a difficult place to live and thrive. Yet, God chose this place. Like us, we are often just as inhospitable as the climate here, yet he still uses us!

Looking out across the Dead Sea from Qumran. The "Dead Sea Scrolls" are the most significant finding supporting the story of the Old Testament. The words of God found in our Bible are real, relevant, and they have the power to change each of us. 

Copies of what the clay pots would have looked like in the caves of Qumran. There is so much mystery behind why they were hidden away. We praise God they were!

Qumran was an ancient community that, for one thing, copied the scriptures. There were many ritual baths uncovered here for the size of the small community. Their Jewish faith was strong. 

Israel 2022 - Reflection #33 - En-gedi

 

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is that of David hiding in a cave having the opportunity to kill Saul who has ruthlessly pursued him and then David chooses to spare his life. 

' After Saul returned from fighting the Philistines, he was told that

David had gone into the wilderness of En-gedi. So Saul chose

3,000 elite troops from all Israel and went to search for David

and his men near the rocks of the wild goats. At the place where

the road passes some sheepfolds, Saul went into a cave to

relieve himself. But as it happened, David and his men were

hiding farther back in that very cave! “Now’s your opportunity!”

David’s men whispered to him. “Today the Lord is telling you,

‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you

wish.’” So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of

Saul’s robe. But then David’s conscience began bothering him

because he had cut Saul’s robe. He said to his men, “The Lord

forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn’t attack

the Lord ’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.”

So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul. After

Saul had left the cave and gone on his way, David came out and

shouted after him, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked

around, David bowed low before him. Then he shouted to Saul,

“Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm

you? This very day you can see with your own eyes it isn’t true.

For the Lord placed you at my mercy back there in the cave.

Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. For I said,

‘I will never harm the king—he is the Lord ’s anointed one.’

Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of the

hem of your robe! I cut it off, but I didn’t kill you. This proves that

I am not trying to harm you and that I have not sinned against

you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me. ' 1 Samuel 24:1-11 https://my.bible.com/bible/116/1SA.24.1-11

I have to admit, every time I read this story, my inner junior high boy comes out. I just have to laugh at the thought of Saul going into a cave to relieve himself and what makes it amazing it is written in the Holy Bible!!!!!!! HAHAHAHA! I just can't help myself!

Ok, thank you for letting me share that!

As I re-read this story it makes me think of my friends and their understanding of this life I am living. When most people are sitting back taking life easy in retirement, here I am as busy and as active as ever, dedicating my life to finishing a Master's Degree in Biblical Studies, and beginning a full-time ministry. I also am a couple of weeks away from my first interview beginning the Ordination process within the Church of God. People look at me and say, "That doesn't look like much of a retirement!" They look at me just like David's men looked at him. As Saul stood right in front of David, God had given David the grand opportunity to take the throne he was already promised. I can just see the astonishment on the faces of David's men when he did not kill Saul. Instead, David took another path. God has called my wife and me to full-time ministry. We are taking another path. 

It is so easy to take the normal, worldly, path through life. It would be so easy to place a license plate on the front of my car saying "Retirement: Spending my Children's Inheritance." ( I have seen many of these.). Yet, I do not remember reading a retirement clause in Matthew 28:19-20. 

'Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing

them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have

given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the

end of the age.”' Matthew 28:19-20 https://my.bible.com/bible/116/MAT.28.19-20

What one thing is God calling you to do that your friends and family would not understand?  I am assuming you are not being pursued by the King and hiding in a cave. But, are you willing to answer God's call when the rest of the world expects you to do something else?

Thank you, Lord, for the reminder to step out of our comfort zone and follow your unique call for our lives!

The Oasis of Engedi

What a contrast between the stark desert and the small Oasis of Engedi.

Water is such a valuable commodity in this area and these springs are like unexpected treasures!

The desert awaits right around the corner!

Israel 2022 - Reflection #32 - Masada

 

This is a model of King Herod's palaces at Masada. Ironically, this massive fortress was never even visited by him! 

This historical Jewish site was another of the wonderful surprises I had on this trip. Before the gondola ride, and hearing the story of the siege, I had no idea this place even existed. It seems that King Herod built this fortress outpost at the southern end of the kingdom in the mid-first century BC. The legend does not fully develop until the middle of the first century AD when a band of Jewish Zealots numbering approximately 1000, occupied this fortress. The Roman army could not let this happen. So, the small band of Jewish nationalists held off an army of ten thousand Roman soldiers for three years. The Romans built a huge earthwork to get to the gate and finally ended up battering their way in. When they went inside, legend says, all they found were dead bodies. It seems the Jews chose suicide over serving as Roman slaves. There are many loopholes in this account, but most of what we know about this siege came from a generally reliable Josephus Flavius, a Jewish historian. 

For years, the Jews and the nation of Israel used this battle of David and Goliath as a rallying cry for their own battle to become a nation. It is very similar to our using "Remember the Alamo!" Most of that has changed as the nation of Israel no longer wants to idolize religious zealots. 

While these ruins were certainly fascinating, particularly the way they stored water in this dry and barren land, there really is little connection to the Bible. Masada is never mentioned in the Bible. However, some people believe King David would have come here in his flight from then King Saul. Engedi is nearby and so are the caves of Qumran. Some have speculated that David would have visited here and used this high impenetrable flat-top rock as a refuge and fortress. Even without King Herod's construction, this would have been a great defensive position. 

So if we speculate that David and his small band of men were also here, we can look at scriptures like Psalm 18:2 as possibly describing Masada. The Hebrew word used by David for "fortress" literally means Masada.

'The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my
rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that
saves me, and my place of safety. ' Psalms 18:2 https://my.bible.com/bible/116/PSA.18.2

I have always loved this scripture. Thinking about God as my fortress, my rock, my protection, my shield, and a place of safety is comforting during difficult times. I receive an amazing power and boldness knowing God is with me. Yet, as I think about the story of Masada, I get a different view of a fortress. A fortress, like Masada, is impenetrable, for a time. It is a place of safety, for a time. But, the enemy is patient. By plotting and scheming, the enemy can lie in wait, waiting until your hope is gone. The enemy can force you to make choices out of desperation and promote a view your situation is hopeless. 

If you look at Masada from a different perspective, you might feel a deep sadness that the faith of these religious zealots had its limits. Their faith in the Lord was centered in the surrounding bedrock and sandstone, the gates that barred the enemy, and the security of being protected within the walls of this fortress. Gideon took 300 men and defeated the Midianites, not through his strength and power, but through the strength and power of the Lord. 

I can only imagine hopelessness so deep that killing yourself and your family seemed to be the only way out. I am not sure how heroic that is. What kind of faith is that? Is that relying upon God as your protection, your shield?  Is it believing in a Savior to come to your rescue?

Our hope is in the Lord who reigns on heaven and earth. When all seems hopeless and the enemy has you surrounded, remember the Lord. Yes, GOD is my rock. HE is my fortress.HE is my savior. HE is my protection. HE is my shield. I praise him that even when it would be easier to give up, HE will rescue me!

The dead sea lies on the horizon. This is the view from atop Masada looking to the east.

The rooms below were storehouse rooms used by the inhabitants to store food for seige. They could live for an extended time of siege. 

This a model of Herod's palace built at Masada. Ironically, he never used it!

The trails seen below Masada are thousands of years old.

Rami is demonstrating the elaborate system used to store water at Masada. During the rainy season, rain water from Jerusalem is directed down hill to Masada through a series of channels and canals. The water was stored in caves, and cisterns. The supply could last for over a year.

Although it is difficult to identify, in the center of this picture is a ramp built by the Romans to attack the gates of Masada. 

Masada was not excavated until 1964 and it continues to reveal great mysteries of the life of this fortress. 

Video Animation that describes Masada in relationship to the current nation of Israel.

Israel 2022 - Reflection #31 - Garden of Gethsemane

 

When I read any book, I build a picture in my mind as I am reading. That is part of the fun of reading. It is also very true of the Bible. When we got to the Garden of Gethsemane, I felt I had been here before. To my amazement, it was exactly as I had envisioned while reading. I love Mark's account of Jesus praying at the Garden of Gethsemane.

'They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” He took Peter, James, and John

with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told

them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay

here and keep watch with me.” He went on a little farther and

fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful

hour awaiting him might pass him by. “Abba, Father,” he cried

out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of

suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.

” Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to

Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me

even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give

in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as

before. When he returned to them again, he found them

sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. And they didn’t

know what to say. When he returned to them the third time, he

said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time

has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” ' Mark 14:32-42https://my.bible.com/bible/116/MRK.14.32-42

There is no debate about why Jesus came here. This place was quiet and peaceful, even in the middle of a hot, hot day, I could sense calm in this place. As I read this scripture and reflect on Jesus' agony, my initial reaction is why couldn't James, Peter, and John just stay awake. Couldn't they sense, couldn't they see the agony on Jesus' face? To walk from Jerusalem to Gethsemane would have taken a fair amount of time. I am guessing, Jesus was very quiet. The only part of the conversation we know was about Jesus being deserted by his followers. (Mark 14:27-31) The night was filled with the gloom of the coming events. In verse 40, we are told the disciples didn't know what to say.  So, I am guessing they were very quiet too. The walk across the valley would have been filled with unexpressed emotion. I don't know about you, but I have been there. I have been to the point, sitting with a friend going through a tough time, and not knowing what to say. When I try to decide what words are appropriate I just can't find them. The silence is deafening. 

As I have matured in my faith, when I do not know what to say, I go to the Lord in prayer. Many times this prayer is not vocalized. Sometimes a prayer in this moment is better left in the heart. Other times it is important to pray together with your friend. I am not sure I can explain how you know. But, we can always approach the throne of God. He knows what to say even when we are at a loss for words. 

'In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not
know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes
for us through wordless groans. ' Romans 8:26https://my.bible.com/bible/111/ROM.8.26

I am so thankful to worship a God that knows me, he cares for me, he loves me, and when I cannot find words, he intercedes. I praise God for that kind of personal relationship!

Looking across to the walls of Jerusalem from Gethsemane

This path going between Jerusalem and Gethsemane may have been the exact path Jesus took with his disciples the night before his crucifixion. 

This is the eastern gate, the Golden gate to the Old city. Jesus would have used this gate often on his way to Gethsemane and the Mount of Olives. 

Beautiful flowers of Gethsemane.

The Olive trees here in the Garden would have been present on the night Jesus prayed here. At the very least, the roots of these trees live for thousands of years. 

The Church of Gethsemane

Inside the church is a rock where Jesus might have prayed!

Here is a video from inside the church and a service being held there. This is such a beautiful place.