WEDNESDAY: The Desert Negev

Today, we headed south to Beit She'an. It is a huge Roman fortress where Saul, along with his sons, were hung from the city walls as a testament of their pride and ego. This too was an overwhelming place to be. I didn't know this before, but Saul and Jonathan were both hung headless from here. Can you imagine what David must have experienced here? Saul was God's choice as king. But he didn't walk with God and his life ended in a shameful way. How David must have grieved. Lord, I cryout for mercy that my sins would not lead to such a shameful display.

Next, we headed Ein Gedi. This is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the Negev desert and is probably most well known for where David hid from Saul as he pursued David to kill him out of Saul's jealousy for David's God-given success. The Bible refers to the mercy that God gave David in the story of David cutting Saul's robe. While Saul was not paying attention, David snuck up on Saul and cut the tsit off his robe without Saul realizing it. Then later, David presents the tsits to Saul to show him that he was as good as dead. But God called him to serve Saul, not kill him. Oh, that I would show such compassion on someone who would hurt me so much.

There are three different springs in Ein Gedi – each one more intense of a hike than the first. I decided to see the first spring then found an area to just observe and listen. My biggest concern about this trip is that I do not want to miss what God wants to show me and say. Once I found a peaceful little sitting area, I just sat. The breeze felt like the breath of God. I was thankful to have s few minutes with just God and I to reflect on the trip so far. The next part of the trip in Jerusalem would be intense and an overload of information, so these quiet moments were welcome.