The Jordan River and the Wilderness

We went to Bethany beyond the Jordan where John the Baptist would have baptized.

The river used to be much bigger and wider than it is today.

In those days, people were baptized (immersed) for various reasons; for ritual cleansing, for purification of diseases, if you touched a dead animal or person, for repentance from sins, if a Gentile would convert, he would need to be baptized for proclamation of doctrine, or if one was being ordained as a rabbi, he would also be baptized.  At the age of 30, one can be ordained a rabbi.

John would inaugurate Jesus into His public Messianic mission.

We were told that when they were baptized, one would walk into the water and immerse himself.  The rabbi who was presiding would not dunk them as they do today.  One who was baptized was "submitting to the rabbi's authority".

Saying once again - "I submit to Your authority, Rabbi Jesus!"

Our bus then drove along this winding road (the Jericho road) out to the wilderness.  We were told that story of the Good Samaritan would have taken place along this road.

Sarah would have sent Hagar out to her death here.  But the angel of the Lord showed her mercy.

Our next stop was the wilderness.  It was a good place for bandits to hide.  And a place of flash floods.  It was literally the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

It is likely that somewhere around here Jesus was tempted by the Adversary.  "He was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan.  He was with the wild animals, and angels attended Him."  Mark 1:13  If the adversary could persuade Jesus to work outside God's design at the outset of His ministry, the perhaps Jesus would not complete God's ultimate work - the cross!

Isn't it just like the accuser to attack one who desires to submit their lives to the authority of God?

Promotions

Today is officially the first day of summer vacation for my grandchildren!

After school finished yesterday, we celebrated at Brahm's!  A few of their school friends were also there. 

 There were a few silly boys and a silly daddy embarrassing Sophia!

 In the evening I went to Pretty Prairie for my niece's graduation from the 8th grade.  Bailey received a citizenship award, was recognized for being a 4.0, and gave closing remarks.

Congratulations, Bailey!

The Dead Sea

After coming down Snake Path at Masada and climbing up to En Gedi, we were mighty sweaty.  When Jim announced that we would end the day swimming  floating in the Dead Sea, we were all excited!

Isn't it beautiful?  Somehow, from the road, the sea looks so blue, but when we got there, it was not blue at all.  The water feels oily.  It is 33.7% salinity (8.6 times saltier than the ocean) and is the lowest elevation of land on earth.


Al is on the far right at the top.  I'm in the middle floating - you can see my head and my feet sticking up (beside Jane, the lady in the blue).  Once you put your feet up, it is near to impossible to get them back down again.  It takes much maneuvering to be able to stand again!

See that black mud on this guy?  That is what is at the bottom of the sea.  Seriously.  Had to wear shoes on our feet.  I put some mud on too, but not near like that guy.  It really makes your skin feel so soft!  But if you have an open sore or have shaved that day, you dare not get in the water or it will swell up and will hurt terribly!!  We were forwarned.

Ein Gedi and Qumran

On the western shore of the Dead Sea, about 10 miles north of Masada, Ein Gedi is a hidden oasis of water and caves which offers the region's only year-round waterfall.

Ein Gedi has always been a fruitful area - Song of Solomon 1:14.  The ibex and Biblical coney (rock badger) are found here.  Wish we would have seen some, but I think there were too many people around.

 There were a lot of families there having lots of fun.





We went on a climb back to the place where David and his men hid.

It was here among the caves and crevices that young David took refuge from King Saul.  He boldly cut off the fringe of Saul's garment, to prove that he was close enough to the king to kill him.  

"The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, or lift my hand against him."  1 Sam. 24:6

Fresh water springs

-with our "buddies"-

Each of us had to have 2 others to be buddies with to make sure they were always on the bus before we took off for the next destination.  Our buddies were Chris and Jan and Bill and Louise.  They are from Dayton, Ohio although Jan is originally from Wichita and we have some connections with friends. 

 It was at Ein Gedi that David wrote Psalm 57:

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
    for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
    until the disaster has passed.

 I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me.
 He sends from heaven and saves me,
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—^[c]
    God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

 I am in the midst of lions;
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.

 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

 They spread a net for my feet—
    I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
    but they have fallen into it themselves.

 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.
 Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.

 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

* * * * *

Our next stop was Qumran, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found.

972 scrolls have been discovered sine 1947.

The Bedouin who first discovered it dried out the leather and was going to have them cut up for straps for sandals!  He did not realize what treasure he had found!

At the end of these 2 treks, we were pretty hot and sweaty.  Next stop - a plunge in the Dead Sea!  (except one cannot plunge into it.  You can only float on top!)

Play at the park

This past year, Sarah W. and I helped to lead a Bible study with these wonderful young mothers.  We just LOVE them!!!!  We had our last hurrah for the year at the park.  We were going to do it last week, but with the chance of rain, we cancelled.  It looked threatening this week too, but we decided to go ahead and it ended up to be a beautiful morning!  The sun even peeped out for the time we were there.

There were a couple of the young moms who were not able to make it and we missed them!
Here are a few photos from the morning.

Marin is such an adorable little girl!!  Especially in Sunday School with another little girl, Piper.  So ornery together and they just make me laugh!!

 Funny face, Cai!

Julie traveled the furthest to class, driving 30 minutes one way!  We sure enjoyed having you come and brave that drive!  Not the easiest with a little one!

 Notice Luke on the bench in the back?  I think I saw Sarah F. post on facebook that he was sitting there for a bad attitude??

 Precious baby!

Sticks make such a fun toy!

Beth arrived late (naps sometimes cause that!) so she wasn't included in the group photo.  Sad.

Luke and his cheezy smile.

Blake refused to smile.  He usually gives me a nice grin, but not that day.

Drunk (with milk)!

sweet sister love!

This is a real Luke grin!

(Some photos of a couple more kids turned out either blurry or with eyes closed.  Sorry, moms, if your child is not included.)

What a good year we have had and I love seeing God at work in their lives as mothers and wives.