MOVING FORWARD - pastor mike landry

            Today’s journey started off a little late because the hotel had some problem with the wake up calls.  But it didn’t matter because God’s has His perfect timing.  Everyone was so flexible and we finally hopped on our bus and headed down, down, down, from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea.  In about an hour we arrived at Masada.

            Masada is the Israel’s equivalent of our Alamo.  After the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD they proceeded to Masada to capture or kill the Jewish survivors who had holed up in Masada.  The Romans went to extreme measures to siege this place and finally after 8 months it looked inevitable to the Jews that they would be overcome and their wives and children would be ravaged and made slaves.  Instead of waiting for this to happen to the entire community of 960, they chose to take their own lives instead.  A very sad ending to the brave Jews who held off the Roman soldiers for so long.

            We toured the entire archaeological site and were amazed at the ingenuity of the Jews and the impressiveness of this fortress built for Herod the Great as one of his get-away homes.

            Of course, we had to eat lunch at a restaurant at Masada that best represented the meal of such champions…MacDonalds.  It was delicious and also provided an amazing view of the Dead Sea from Masada’s elevated view while we ate.

            After Masada we headed to En Gedi.  As you may recall, this was the site where David hid from King Saul who was pursuing him.  David and his men hid in a cave that Saul entered.  Saul was unaware of their presence and actually went to sleep there.  David refused to kill Saul but cut a piece of his robe and kept it until Saul left.  David used this moment to point out to Saul that he had no desire to harm Saul – that he was the Lord’s annointed.  Saul’s response was a surprise admission that David would soon be King after him.  What a great example of godly restraint, self-control, and a healthy view of God’s Sovereignty.  We could learn much from David’s example.  It is the perfect example of Jesus’ call to “take up your cross” and die to self daily.

            En Gedi is an oasis with a pure water source that dates back at least 3000 years to King David.  We visited the lower Falls and encountered many badgers.  These are cute little creatures that look like a beaver and are mentioned numerous times in the scripture.  We also came across a family of Nubien Ibex.  These look like miniature antelope with straight horns that curve toward their back.  

            After En Gedi we took a break and went down to the Dead Sea for a swim…or perhaps I should say “a float.”  You can’t swim in the Dead Sea because of buoyancy problems.  The minerals and salt in the water are so dense that you couldn’t swim under the water if you wanted too.  Your legs just keep wanting to pop out of the water.  It’s amazing.  The picture shows our crew demonstrating the ease of floating side by side.

            Many health products are also produced from the minerals of the Dead Sea.  Some people actually come to the Sea and cover themselves with the mud from the Sea’s edge and use it as an anti-aging and skin-cleansing agent.  One of our ladies, Marcia Bowery, decided to try it out; as you can see.  In fact, our tour guide commented that he was having a difficult time recognizing the passengers on the bus who had gone for a swim because they now looked so much younger.  J

            Once we showered and dried off it was time to visit Qumran; where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found about 60 years ago.  This presentation was very interesting and also a powerful demonstration of how God is able to preserve evidence of His timeless Word.  As I’ve said before, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls was probably the most important historical discovery of the 20^th century.

            On the way back to Jerusalem we made a brief stop in Jericho.  After driving by the archeological ruins of the old city of Jerusalem (the oldest city in the world) and seeing a Sycamore Tree that may very well have been the one Zacheaus climbed to see Jesus, we stopped at a gift shop that specialized in Hebron glass and Palestinian dishware.  This shop was run by Palestinian Christians and we were glad to be able to purchase items from them.

            Following Jericho, we returned to Jerusalem and our Hotel for supper.  Now we’re digesting and getting ready for bed.  Looking forward to seeing the Upper Room, Caiaphas’ House, the Garden Tomb and Golgotha, and Elah (where David slew Goliath) tomorrow.  Then we will, later in the day, hop on a plane in Tel Aviv and return to Sarasota.  Don’t stop praying.  God is working on us and answering your prayers.