Hello to everyone back in the frozen tundra! I hate to rub it in, but we went swimming (floating) tonight...but more on that later.
We began our day with the most amazing stop yet. We stopped at Timna Park to see a replica of The Tabernacle. I have to tell you, though...it wasn't the Tabernacle that made it so special...it was an absolute GOD moment! I've rarely felt so close to HIM. We met this wonderful guide there who opened up with a quiet question to our Israel tour guide, "May I speak of the New Testament?" "Oh, yes, please." was her obvious answer. Thank you for speaking of the new testament!!! Her lesson was incredible...one that you will have to hear from one of us when we get home (it's a lesson that some of you heard from Pastor Stan when he did his series). The Tabernacle was actually setting up the way for our Messiah, Yeshua, Jesus! I can't put it all into words here...or give it proper credit...just know that I was blown away by her teaching. She finished by blessing us all (in Hebrew) as we all stood in the "Holy of Holies". I'm man enough to say I couldn't stop crying...our GOD is so AWESOME for what HE did for us!!
We moved North to Masada. (Dead Sea on our right the whole way...WOW!) Now, Masada is not a Biblical reference, but is said to be the last stronghold of the Jewish people in their revolution against the Romans in the first century. Incredible story, unbelievable site, breathtaking view. (Jealous yet...remember, we haven't been swimming, I mean, bobbing yet)
Next we moved on to the En Gedi (sp?). This is where David hid while Saul was after him. There are many caves in the area, as well as fresh (living) water, so this makes for a good place to stop to be refreshed (for both him and us).
Finally...after an exhausting (yet exhilarating) day, we ended back at our hotel on the bank of the Dead Sea. Oh yeah, did I mention that we went swimming? OK, we were told a dozen times today that we would NOT be swimming. Swimming means that you put your head under water (most of the time, anyway). The Dead Sea is a "float only". You want NO water in any part of your mouth, nose, ears, eyes...may get sick. So why do you do it? So you can write back to the snow infested plains of Nebraska to say that you've been swimming outside in February!
Love you all!!
Happy Valentines Day!!!
God's Blessings, brian
|
