A Passion for God

We checked out of Isrotel Dead Sea and once again drove north along the shores of the Dead Sea. Today's

destination was Qumran. Most are familiar with the Dead Sea Scrolls and know they were discovered in the caves just above here. We spent the morning discussing the Essenes. Just prior we received a Semester's worth of history in about 20 minutes. The passion, dedication and devotion these people had is at once inspiring and convicting. And to experience their world was a tremendous blessing.

The teaching quickly moved to John the Baptist, his connection to the Essene community and his role in preparing the way for Jesus. Of course the beat teachings come after the most difficult hikes. Today was no exception. I so wish you could all be present to experience the power of the bible taught and connected the way Ray does it IN its context. The impact is amazing and amount of information and emotion is nearly overwhelming. It's like trying to drink water from a fire hose. The amount of notes on this teaching alone covered over six pages. And this was all before lunch!

Today ended our time in the desert so immediately after lunch we boarded the bus and headed for Galilee. Since we traveled through occupied Palestinian Territory we alao gaines a passenger. An armed Israeli soldier.

There were several stops along the way, of course, and the teaching that leaves a person feeling like dancing, or shouting, or something. I'm not kidding. And then there are the times when every single image or picture you thought you had gets completely blown away. That summarizes our visit to the "shepherds

on the hillside". Aside from the power and emotion of the teaching we received in that field and in the shepherd's cave which is most likely the kind In which Jesus would actually have been born, I simply had to repent for every Christmas Pageant I've ever produced and directed. We just have it all wrong.

I've probably learned more today than any other and I didn't think that was possible. There is just SO much. Ray left us pondering a thought as we sat in that dirty, stinking, soot-stained shepherd's cave: God was willing to come and join our chaos so that we could partner with Him and help deliver others from their chaos. And so bring Shalom. Do I do that? Do you? Every day and in every way possible?


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