Who to trust

There are times when you begin a day and wonder how things are going to go.  We gathered for breakfast around 7 a.m. this morning to prepare for the day ahead.  While we were waiting for our departure I went into the office of Yad Hashmona.  One of the guys was waiting for the clerk and asked if I had any shekels handy.  Of course, I instantly remembered my foresight to bring the shekels I found at home.  I offered them to the clerk who had now arrived to take the money.  When she looked at my offering she smiled and said, "This is not Israeli money."  I was, of course, sure she was wrong until I saw the words "Estados Unidos of Mexico", or something like that, on the outside ring of the coin.... It was all very embarrassing, but as our Jewish friends would say, "What can you do?"

Our first stopping point was Bet Shemesh and a view of the Valley of Sorek where Samson met the woman of his undoing in Judges 16.  He was a man of great potential.  He became over the years, however,  bent on revenge and it consumed him.  During his battles with the Philistines, he killed thirty men, then three hundred and finally three thousand.  It is a reminder that revenge is never satisfied and will ultimately consume us.  Oh, for the grace to allow God to be our defender.

Afterward we continued to the Azekah where we could see toward the Philistine cities of Gath and Ashdod to the west and the Valley of Elah to the east were David did battle with Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.  What a contrast between two men.  One who depended on his own strength and understanding and one who depended on his God and His understanding.  We then went up to the cave of Adullam where David hide from Saul.  The cave is located near the West Bank border.  We headed toward the site and were intercepted by a group of soldiers in a military vehicle.  They stopped us to check out what we were doing and then escorted us up to the site.  They were more than happy to pose for a photo op.! :-)  We spent some time considering the challenges presented to a young man anointed
to be king, but still destined to run from a man whom he had served faithfully.  It was a hard thing to be sure, but was part of God's training camp for David.  Sometimes God will lay before us an anointing for service and then take us to training camp in preparation for the tasks that are ahead of us.  It is hard and yet will yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness in our lives.  It will all be worth the challenges we experience in the process of living ours lives here in this place.

We later hiked up to the Cave Adullam and it was amazing.  The opening, which you can see here, is just big enough for one person to go through.  There are other openings into this expansive cave on the hillside.  There is certainly enough room inside for David and his men to hid.  There is a small olive press with the rolling stone still in place which had been carved out of the rock inside the cave. (Wow!!!)   It was cool.  Again we see God's provision for his servant as the enemy was closing in to wipe him out.  But, isn't that the God we serve?  He is our shield and exceeding great reward.


We continued with a trip to Hebron and the Cave of Machpelah. (look it up! :-))  This is a city largely given over to the Arabs and would be part of a Palestinian state should one be formed.  It is important  for us to remember that this is the heart of biblical Israel.  My heart was heavy for all of the people of Israel as we left this place.  God's plan is surely unfolding as He planned, but the way is hard and many challenges are ahead.  We need to pray for the people of this land, her leaders and those that will be greatly impacted by the decisions made.

 We moved on from Hebron to the Bedouin camp just west of Masada.  It is big site with numerous tents that can accommodate up to 600, or perhaps more, people.  We had a wonderful dinner and night under the stars considering the bigness of our God.  Our beds were mats inside a tent much like the one pictured here.  I must confess that the tent was heated for our comfort!  Yea!....  Don't judge me! ;-)


I am expectant for the coming days.  I know that God has a divine appointment for each of the men in our group.  We continue to pray for you all and covet your prayers as well.  Blessings in the name of Yeshua Ha Mashiach!