MOVING FORWARD - pastor mike landry

I started the day with a hot breakfast of French Toast and Scrambled eggs while the others had everything from fresh vegetables, breads, cereals, and other strange items that I didn't recognize. There were lots of other options but I was feeling a little international today...Oui?

Then we all boarded our bus at 8am for Masada. An hour and a half ride later, most of it along the Dead Sea, we arrived at Masada. We rode the Skytram up to the top and had a spectacular view of the Dead Sea and Jordan off to the east. This is the location of one of Herod's Palaces and also the place where 936 Jews took their lives rather than be taken prisoner or killed by the Roman Army in 73 AD. The fortress is in great condition and we were able to get a much better understanding of the living conditions of that time.

After a quick tour of Masada, it was off to Qumran - where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We wandered around the ruins and learned much about the Essenes who lived there. It is thought that John the Baptist spent a couple years here before heading north to begin his Jordan River baptismal ministry. Afterward we were able to check out some of the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. This discovery was earth shaking to our skeptical world. The evidence found in the Scrolls legitimized the current Old Testament's accuracy. For those who think that the Bible is nothing like it was originally written have simply ignored this very important archeological evidence called the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Then we boarded the bus for a stop at the Dead Sea for a swim. The water is so saturated with salts and minerals that you cannot sink. In fact, you cannot go under the water with your whole body even if you try. It was hilarious watching people float and try to keep their feet under them. The mud is suppose to be medicinal and many of our group covered themselves with it. Fortunately they washed it off before getting back on the bus.

Jericho was our next destination for a late lunch, shopping and checking out some very familiar Biblical sites. We saw Tel Jericho where the walls came crashing down in the time of Joshua. We passed by the sycamore tree that Zachaeus climbed when he wanted to see Jesus. We also got close to the Wilderness that Jesus fasted 40 days and was tempted by the devil. Unbelievable! This caused all of us to enter into some "holy" moments.

The last stop was Bethany, just south of Jerusalem. This is the site where Jesus usually stayed when in Jerusalem with some friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. We went to the tomb where Lazarus was raised from the dead and saw the location where Jesus ascended into Heaven. If this kind of visit doesn't cause you to stop and reflect on the power and greatness of our Lord, nothing will.

As I write this, my family is preparing to go out with our Palestinian guide and driver for dinner. They've been such a blessing throughout the trip. They're taking us to a local restaurant to experience the Jerusalem food culture. Can't wait.

Talk again soon. Tomorrow, it's the Old City of Jerusalem and the Garden Tomb.