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Journey Through Israel: Day 4 – An Oasis

by | Apr 24, 2014 | Blog | 0 comments

For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God…He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, and sets me upon my high places. (Psalm 18:31, 33)

A Brief Sketch of the Day

On day four our team climbed Mt. Masada. It is a place rich with historical significance, but does not touch on any of the biblical narrative. A few of us braved the climbing of the mountain, which was a magnificent experience. It overlooked the desert land and the Dead Sea.

After leaving Masada, we traveled to En Gedi (more on that soon). We also went to Bethany, the site of Lazarus’ tomb. We made it to Jerusalem later that night and saw the nighttime skyline.

 An Oasis In The Desert

En Gedi is the site in which David spent most of his time fleeing from his enemies (think here of Saul). It is likely the place where many of his Psalms were written.

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Look at the above images and consider the words this post began with: “He makes my feet like hinds’ feet.” Or consider the idea from Psalm 23 – “He leads me beside quiet waters.” In the middle of a desert, running from an enemy bent on killing you, with no safe haven for miles around – what an Oasis this place would have been!

Jesus, The Great Oasis

Many of us are aware of the David/Jesus comparisons, and rightly so. But Jesus is also pictured in this place. He is a source of living water in a dry and thirsty land. He is a source of safety from enemies, both from without and within. He is security, peace, and hope in the midst of the most trying of circumstance. And, above all, He is salvation to those who have no hope of deliverance.

So, you may never be able to visit En Gedi. You may never climb to the Upper Falls or watch the wildlife jump from rock to rock. You may never drink of the springs. But, you can drink of the water of life that Jesus offers. You can find security in His person and His work. You can find an oasis in the midst of this desert world of sin. You can find life in the face of death.

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