Monthly Archives: March 1998

All wet!

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We were greeted in Israel with rain. I guess that is significant to me because rain in Israel was originally a fulfillment of a promise God made. Rain was conditioned on obedience to God’s Law. In many of Israel’s neighboring countries, it doesn’t rain. Most of the surrounding countries are arid desert, deriving water from rivers to cultivate and drink. If it rains, it isn’t much. The captive descendants of Jacob knew water came from basically one source, the Nile River. God reassured the wandering Hebrews water would be in abundance in the new land if they were obedient to Him. No doubt, God has been more gracious than man has been obedient in all the years.

God never intended rain to be an end in itself, but the means to an end. It was easy for the Hebrews to understand the temporal value. An abundance of water (dew, rain, snow) at the right season would equal good crops. Good crops equal more trade. Trade equals greater wealth. Wealth equals substantial power. But, all along we have seen that God’s goal is to develop faith in Him. Water is essential for survival. But, faith is essential for (eternal) life. Maybe that is why Jesus never compared Himself to water. He didn’t want us or others to misplace our faith. How often we are content with less than what God offers! Each of Israel’s water sources are designed by God to instill faith in Him.

I don’t know if “El Niño” affects the world, but it snowed just before our arrival to Jerusalem. Snow in Jerusalem is so rare they have no plows. We heard the city simply closed down! After a couple of days, the snow was gone and the city was back to normal. It is expected in the upper elevations, like around Mt. Hermon, for water to become snow. When the warm weather returns, the snow melts, feeding the Jordan River, which in turn waters the most fertile section of land in Israel and Jordan, the Rift Valley. What happens if the snow pack in a given year is less than expected or needed?

“Water is essential for survival.” Water equals good crops. Good crops equal more trade. Who needs faith?

The Jordan River is diverse. Like the Rio Grande, it separates two countries: Israel and Jordan. In places it roars like the Rogue River. In others it seems virtually stagnant, like the Los Angeles River. While no where near as wide as the Mississippi River, nor as narrow as the Wind River, the Jordan River has some spectacular scenery! But what good is all that beauty if the only river in the country dries up?

Water equals good crops. Good crops equal more trade. Trade equals greater wealth. Who needs faith?

Maybe the most unique water feature in Israel are the underground springs that supply a minimum amount of water for the deserts. We would ride what seemed an endless amount of time in all this barren wasteland, and then suddenly be upon an oasis. In the middle of nowhere! What care God had taken to prepare this desert with a water source.

After all, “water is essential for survival.” Even in the desert, water equals good crops. Good crops equal more trade. Trade equals greater wealth. Wealth equals power. Who needs faith?

Israel’s water sources are diverse and so are the country’s containers. The country holds the distinction of having the lowest spot on the earth (1300 feet below sea level at the Dead Sea). The Dead Sea has over 30% salt content. In no time your boat would decay or rust. There are no fish, yet most people can float there. They extract some wonderful minerals for health and beauty. Other than that, what a waste. It wouldn’t take much for me to enjoy the solitude of the Dead Sea. I wonder why God created a Dead Sea?

Israel’s Mediterranean coast is beautiful. The water is clear. The fresh sea air is clean. I love the beach! I could make regular visits here and never tire of the surf. But, Israel has no natural harbors. That can sure put a crimp on trade with countries toward the west. It would have been so easy for God to scratch out just one harbor there. But He didn’t. I wonder why?

What we call the Sea of Galilee is actually a fresh water lake. It also sits below sea level. Fishing. Boating. Peaceful. Restful. Breath-taking. This place is beautiful! If I was given the opportunity to go anywhere, I think I could choose the Sea of Galilee. It is that good! No wonder Jesus centered most of His ministry around this lake. The Sea of Galilee is both serene and in a matter of hours can be turbulent. I wonder why?

There is so much more about water that could be talked about. Walking through Hezekiah’s (water) tunnel carved in solid rock was thrilling. Hearing about fishing on the Sea of Galilee from a man who has fished there for nearly 50 years was an unusual learning experience. The sight and sound of the many water falls, especially En Gedi, tranquilized our weary souls. What is it about water that affects us so much?

When it came to water God did not leave His people “high and dry.” Even though the terrain and atmospheric conditions of Israel were vastly different from what the Hebrews were used to in Egypt, He provided for them. But His provision was not just “on the spot.”

He carefully crafted wind currents to bring clouds filled with rain.

He designed mountain ridges tall enough to retain water in the form of snow for release in the summer months.

He drew valleys that, with the water would transport essential minerals to keep soil productive.

He created plains where water could saturate rather than run off.

He stored water in places no sane human would ever dream.

He dug a hole deeper than any other on Earth, and placed rich minerals below water unsatisfactory for human consumption or use.

He did all this and so much more, not when the Israelites needed it, but thousands of years before there ever was anyone known as “Hebrew.”

He did this all to confirm their belief that He alone is God.

The next time you cry out in the midst of your crisis, “where is God?,” remember, He started working on your behalf long before you could conceive in your mind even the remotest possibility of ever having such a need, in order to perfect your faith!

Like the Hebrews, understanding the temporal can aid us to understand the eternal value. If Jesus had compared Himself to water, in essence He might be saying, “I alone am all,” meaning “who needs the Father or Holy Spirit?” But He didn’t.

However, Jesus did make a comparison that demonstrates His interdependence on the Father and Holy Spirit and our utter dependence on Him when He said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches.” Without water, the vine would dry up. Without the vine, we are merely kindling.

Who needs faith? We do. What a marvelous God!

On the road again

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“…I can’t wait to get on the road again.”

Some may think that I have adopted this as a theme song. Believe me, contrary to the number of journeys in the last year, it isn’t. Each destination confirms again to my heart how great God is! Every trip broadens my perspective and understanding of what God desires to do.

What God desires to do can even be related to geography. It is no mistake by God that Israel is located at the juncture of three continents: Europe, Africa and Asia. I wonder why!?

Certainly God knew that man would find ways to dominate others. The logical result would be roads developed to expedite military conquests. Times of peace found other uses for these roads, such as communication, trade and migration. The East would trade spices with the West for fabrics. The North would barter timber for the minerals and jewels in the South. All the while, right in the middle, at the crossroads of civilization, were the Hebrews. What an enviable position. The tolls they could exact would be enormous! But that wasn’t God’s purpose. The Great Commission to “Go” wasn’t given to Israel. He would bring the world to them. There they would influence the world with God’s truth. And, how would all of this be accomplished? Via the roads.

Those ancient roads traveled by Paul, Jesus, David, and Abraham are now modern international highways. I was impressed. When we stopped to investigate a sight, I would stand by the side of some roads and stare into the past. It was like wandering through an old Civil War battlefield, but instead of cannons and battle cries, I could see the patriarchs passing by, breathless from the last rise, leading their flocks, determined to reach their destination. It was eerie. It wasn’t until the Roman times that roads were “paved.” And, for convenience, the Roman’s set up markers; they called them “milestones.” Before then travelers relied on the locals to guide them. And here were the opportunities designed by God to express His truth.

Instead of influencing the world, however, the Israelites became content to simply use those roads for their benefit. But, even with a good road, travel by foot or animal was not only time consuming but could prove costly. What if a necessary journey came just at harvest? Or, possibly during planting season? Say, a government mandated census, for instance? And, what if your wife was pregnant? This could prove to be a very risky obstacle in ancient time. God would send reproofs to remind His people these roads should be used to proclaim His truth. If the ancient Jericho road is similar to the modern, no wonder assailants lurked beyond every turn waiting for their prey. Not aware of what was just around the corner, we traveled safely, winding down the canyons, in and out of every crevice. The Good Samaritan risked his own life to help that stranger Jesus called his “neighbor.” Maybe the Samaritan better understood God’s intent for the road.

Most ancient roads were of a “cobblestone” variety. Although, larger rocks were used, ruts from chariots and other carts are identifiable from years of wear. These roads are narrower than the modern ones. This was clearly evident in the old city of Jerusalem. I would liken them more to a path than a fully engineered road. They call it a street. When you add sellers and buyers on each side, foot travel is tedious.

We were warned, “stay together; if necessary, adapt the local custom, be pushy.” Where did we develop this idea of “personal space”? Why didn’t the rest of the world develop it too? I didn’t like barreling through, but the distance was growing between me and the group. At the end of our walk, we learned this is the street Jesus carried His cross, the Via Dolorosa. Surely Jesus knew God’s purpose for a road.

At first, I thought the whole setting for Christ’s crucifixion was wrong. I am sure there were no merchants hacking their wares. There was no crowd, and what few consumers filled the street, they moved aside to let the condemned through. And certainly no one had to be pushy. Upon further reflection, what we experienced may be more accurate. The guilty are passing through. Merchants would have no better opportunity than this to earn an extra shekel or two. Yell a little louder. Lower the price a little more.

Parents, wanting to keep their children from gawking and asking too many questions scurried them ahead to avoid the commotion and the crowds. The setting was prime for thieves to also make a killing. How they would enjoy their booty come night. No one politely moved aside. No one courteously said, “you first.” No one hid his eyes in shame at this sight. The Jews had learned well the ways of the world when it came to road usage.

Do we fare any better?

I’ll answer that by asking another question. Did you ever notice how many of our Christian songs talk of roads?

“I walked today where Jesus walked.”

“I traveled along life’s lonesome way”

“This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through.”

“I’m walking up the King’s highway.”

“I feel like traveling on”

These strong analogies to the Christian life should have shaped our view of God and eternity. And why not, the Bible is filled with many references to roads.

  • God commanded roads to be made to the cities of refuge for quick, easy travel (Deuteronomy 19:3).
  • Fifteen “Psalms of Ascent” were penned to be reviewed when traveling to Jerusalem for the holy days (Psalms 120-134).
  • Isaiah said the Messiah will someday make every road smooth (Isaiah 40:3-5).
  • Christians were first called people of “the Way” (Acts 9:2).
  • Jesus even compared the Christian life to a “narrow road” (Matthew 7:13-14).

I wonder if Jesus had in mind one of those “streets” in old Jerusalem? While Jesus didn’t say the “narrow road” would be filled with pedestrians moving in the opposite direction, we know for sure He said there would be few who find it. By the “narrow road” Jesus was describing that choices will be made. Will we choose the broad or the narrow road? Will we choose destruction or life? By the “narrow road” He was saying that there will be difficulty, even persecution, in the Christian’s life. It won’t be an easy road.

Contrary to the saying, “all roads lead to Rome,” only one road leads to eternal life. It is a narrow road, laid before the foundation of the world, and paved with gold. There we discover that “Jesus is the way (road), no man comes to the Father but by Him” (John 14:6).