A deeply rooted life

We woke up today to a brilliant sun reflecting off the Dead Sea. My mom and I strolled the beaches before loading the bus. The heat of the sand is magnificent under my winter soles.

A day of experiential learning is planned for us. Our first stop is to visit the Land of Genesis for a visit to Abraham’s tent. Upon arriving we were greeted by Elizer, Abraham’s manservant , who helped us prepare for our Judean dessert journey. Our mode of transport, a camel trek along the ridge above the spectacular riverbed of Wadi Kelt, the place where Abraham chose to settle. Upon arriving to the tent, as a group we called out for Abraham. He immediately appeared, coming out from the tent , offering us some of his legendary hospitality. Sitting on mattresses on the tent floor, we enjoyed learning about the life of our father of faith patriach. The authenticity was made complete with an ancient style snack of dried fruits, tea and coffee. Mounting and dismounting a camel is quite an experience, just ask my Mom’s now tender chin which said hello to the back of my head. On our way out,we all received international camel riding licenses and I giggled at the sign that read: trust in God but tie up your camel.

From here we set out for a three day stay in Jerusalem. It was very emotional to ascend up to Jerusalem, as pilgrims have been doing for centuries. Wanda played a beautiful rendition of the Holy City by Bill and Gloria Gaither to help make a memorable moment, even more dramatic.

Our first stop in Jerusalem was to visit the home of a traditional Orthodox Jew family to make and bake festive Challah bread and learn about their ultra religious lifestyle. Yoshi was so open in sharing from his heart and answering all of our questions. There family is fully dedicated and committed to the spreading of theTorah. As we ate our warm, sweet and delicious braided bread on the bus, everyone chatted and agreed this was an incredible experience that would be treasured for a lifetime. Our hearts now bursting with love, we thanked Jesus for fulfilling the law for us. What a tiresome life it must be trying to earn your way to heaven ( daily keeping 613 strict laws) when Jesus offers eternal life for free by simply believing in Him.

Our last stop of the day was at the MT of Olives which offers visitors the best views of Jerusalem. This special place gets it name from the olive groves that at one time covered the land. Today MT Olives is used as a Jewish cemetery and has been since biblical times, including the burial location for some of the most prominent biblical kings. Today a plot costs approximately $300,000. Other landmarks we visited were the Tomb of the Prophets, Catholic Church of Dominus Flevit ( where Jesus stood weeping and praying for Jerusalem) and the Garden of Gethsemane. 8 ancient olive trees with 2000 year old root systems still produce Olives each fall, and attract 4.5 million tourist eyes each year.

Although each activity today was unique and vastly different, they collectively allowed us to evaluate what it means to have a deeply rooted life. Are we willing to uproot ourselves and walk in faith like Abraham? Do we have deep root systems like the Olive trees of Gethsemane? Do we put our hope in the root of Jesse or following laws and our own good works? It is in the roots not the branches that a trees greatest strength lies.

[Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude - Colossians 2:6-7]Read more