Hey Gang, We have been privileged on several occasions to walk on the very ground where Jesus walked. I do not know if you are aware of the fact that, to travel from Eilat, the southern most point in Israel, to Medima, the northern most point -where you can stand in Israel and look into the countries of Lebanon and Syria, requires a continual shedding or adding layers of clothing.
An entomologist friend of mine related that one of the very unique things about Israel, this tiny piece of turf about the size of New Jersey, is that within its boundaries you can grow everything that is grown throughout the world One wonders how such a tiny country could become the focal point of the world’s attention.
It was also our privilege to get our hands dirty while in Israel. To get in a bus and ride from one historical or religious site to another was okay, but what we really wanted to do while there was leave our mark on the nation. If we were to return to Israel today and travel to Ir Ovot, (now known as Tel Tamar or Tamar Biblical Park) we could walk around the kibbutz and see fruits of our labors. It is the only place I have ever worked where I felt good about taking two pieces of junk and making one piece of junk that worked!
Tel Tamar is located south of the Dead Sea and near the border of Jordan.. In other words it is in the Arabah or wilderness where the children of Israel spend forty years wondering. Jesus spent forty days in the Judean Wilderness preparing for the ministry to come.
There are no conversations about the Araba or Negev of Israel that do not include the word ‘water’. One did not look for gold, silver or other precious materials, but they did search for water - the staff of life. For every ten people who worked with us in the fields, one was assigned to be a water-carrier and made their rounds every half hour to assure that all drank a cup of life- sustaining water while on the job.. Dehydration is called the silent killer in the desert.
The complaint of many was, "I am not thirsty, I do not need a lot of water". That attitude is okay for Big Rapids or other places of moderate weather but not for the deserts of the world.
The setting for the Scripture of the day is found in John Chapter seven. Jesus is visiting with His disciples at the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Booths. It was one of the very joyful celebrations of the year, much like a combination of Thanksgiving and Family Camp. But in Palestine it was always hot in the fall when they celebrated this festive occasion. (Having been there on several occasions during this joyous time - HOT MEANS PRECISELY THAT - HOT!!!.)
In the midst of the Feast Jesus suddenly stood, and "…in a loud voice" probably shouted "Is anybody thirsty?" I suspect that was a little like asking the asphalt crew who was laying the new highway when the temperature was above the century mark if they would like a sip on the water jug.
Soooo, most, probably did not have a clue what He was saying and were reaching for their water pouches. As Paul Harvey would say, “Tune in tomorrow for the rest of the story".
Blessings,
Gramps
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