By Pastor Bobby Blakey
Israel Day 5
Finding God as our Refuge
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Today we went into the Judean Wilderness. This area is a desert flanked by the Dead Sea. Not exactly the description of an exotic location! Yet in the middle of this area is a beautiful oasis, the falls of En Gedi. This waterfall and stream carve a path through the rocky hills and create a lush valley through the desert. Yet even beyond its natural charm, this place has Biblical significance as the location where David hid while he was being chased by King Saul in 1 Samuel 24. In fact, it is presumed that many of the psalms were written here.
Psalm 61:1-3 - Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.
It was immediately easy to see how En Gedi was a physical refuge. The caves in the cleft of the rocks were ideal hiding places. The stream flowing with water brought life to the whole area around it. Yet, it was even more exciting to see that this is where David sought God as his personal refugue. So much of the imagery of the psalms was right in front of our eyes. Even though we were here at “the ends of the earth” I could see the “rock that is higher than I.”
Pastor Pete challenged us if we really find God as our refuge. When the troublesof life are chasing us down do we turn to Him as our source of living water? Do we take refuge in Him as a strong tower? As you see these pictures of the streams of En Gedi I pray it will be a visual reminder of a spiritual reality: God is our refuge! Let us take shelter and find strength in Him!
View more photos in the Israel 2008 photo gallery.
Hi CBC’ers - It is so much fun to watch you all and your daily travels! Bobby you are working way too hard, but we all appreciate it very much. Thank you. Hey Brad, wake up to help your roomie! Tina, eat one of those ice cream bars for us. Blessings, Diane Ashby
Yeah for the Magnum Bars, Bro. I don’t think I could have said it any better than Brad Smith did. Glad to see you guys enjoyed the Wilderness! Enjoy Jerusalem!
Glad you enjoyed the Magnum Bars, but here’s my question:
Did Bobby ride the tram up to Masada, or did he hike up the trail?
God Bless as you visit the Old City. Remember to keep your head down in Hezekiah’s tunnel.
Wow! The troubles of life are the same 4,000 years ago as they are today. Good thing that God is the same then as He is today. Thanks for helping us to get done to the root of the issue: God’s goodness, His patience and grace. We really do need to caste off all our excuses and rely soley on Him…
And without the Taco Bell, I’m sure Pastor Bobby had to take the tram.
My comment, Bruce, is that, after looking at the videos of our group there in Israel and noting who is on the trip there, that they, indeed all of them, went up on the tram, although, maybe with one exception, maybe my boy Johnny Karlsson hiked up the trail. Also, as a corrollary question, it could be asked if any of our group stayed in those caves we are seeing that King David stayed in, but that question does not even need to be asked. Perhaps King David had it a bit harder than us, huh? God Bless you all on your trip, we love your video blog!
Pastor Bobby - that was just way too cool!! Thanks for taking the time to do the videos and write the blogs, it feels like we are right there with you guys. I’m praying for you all…. With love in Christ, Michelle Hooper
Thanks so much for giving us a glimpse of your trip…what an incredible experience to be in the Holy Land together with your brothers and sisters from Compass! It looks like you are having some laughs as well…it may take the nation of Israel a little time to recover after you leave:)
May our LORD bless and keep you in the remaining days and on the way home.
Thanks again for sharing with us.
It’s so great to see what’s going on everyday! Thanks for taking the time to keep us informed. We feel like we’re there with you. I can’t wait to go back, except for the bathrooms at the Dead Sea–they left a lot to be desired!
Wow… Walking in the footprints of history, but most of all visiting the holy land where our Lord and saviour decided to visit us. I can’t wait to hear all the first hand stories. The Burke family will continue to pray for you’re time in Israel and you’re safe journey home.
Thank you!! These video’s are great, Bobby you are Hilarious!!! I appreciate your late night video efforts - I look forward to watching these every night!
Praise GOD!!