Faith Lesson from En Gedi

Imagine yourself on a long journey in the desert by the Dead Sea. Temperatures as high as 100F by noon! So, you are walking through this hot desert and then all of a sudden a waterfall appears, the first of several in this canyon, pouring into freshwater pools. Natives that have swam and played in these waterfalls describe this mysterious waterfall in the desert as: “cool and refreshing falls is like a shower from heaven, washing away the desert’s sweaty film.” And then, the further you walk back this canyon, the higher you climb. And the higher you climb, the greener and lusher the plants and wildlife become, and the more spectacular the waterfalls! In my simple brain this doesn’t make sense?! You might be thinking is she talking about a real place or fantasy?

This place isn’t a dream or a fantasy in the desert. This is En Gedi 🏜️🏞️

We talked about David this morning and I think we can all feel like David at some point. Have you ever been promised greatness, and then as soon as things start to go great, you immediately experience the exact opposite and that suffering seems to last longer than your “top of the mountain” experiences?

David was lied about, rejected, hunted, physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and spiritually empty. He was certainly in what we will consider a “series of valleys,” so take heart and learn from David in En Gedi… When you walk through what feels like the lowest place you’ve ever been to, it is there that En Gedi awaits. The Lord knows your difficult story, your tough unwanted journey of survival, and the forgotten promises that He has reserved just for you. He is more than able to lead you to a place of full restoration of it all, a place of rest and hope.

It’s in these tough times that our hearts learn to trust His voice and His Word(teaching).

Living Water in the Bible refers to spiritual life and vitality found only in being right with God(Your En Gedi). Stagnant water is full of sickness and diseases and refers to the person who lives life without being right with God.

Questions for your reflection:
1. Have you received Christ, the
source of living water?
2. Do you fellowship regularly with God in order to receive living water for your soul?
3. Do you read God’s Word, which gives living water to your spirit and nourishes your heart?
4. Are you seeking to find life and joy in your own pursuits and neglecting your relationship with God?

Prayer:
Our perfect Lord , you know we would not willingly live in the wilderness, yet You sometimes lead us there for our sanctification. Thank you that even in the wilderness You are an Oasis of provision for us like En Gedi. We thank you that You are at work in us conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ through each trial. In Jesus name, Amen

Scripture:
|John 7:37-38| 1 Samuel 23:28-29| Jeremiah 2:12-13| Song of Solomon 1:14| Ezekiel 47:9-10|