Nothing Else Matters

Today we visited the River Jordan, the place of Jesus’ baptism. I had the opportunity to remember my baptism thanks to Lisa being willing to go in the water with myself and Steve. 

There were a lot of people there and we were a little pressed for time before going to our next destination. We quickly put on the robes and went straight down to the river Jordan. It was busy and chaotic and we had to rush. There were people of many nationalities present to remember their baptism or be baptized. They were all disciples of Christ-as Tim so eloquently pointed it out in our devotion time. Did I mention there were a lot of people there? 

As we got into the water and Lisa said words for us to remember our baptism, everything else went away. As Steve put it at devotional tonight, in that moment nothing else matters. And it was true. We didn’t notice a small child sitting and watching at the edge of the water the whole time. We didn’t notice others taking pictures. We weren’t thinking about how we would have to rush and change and be back on the bus in ten minutes. In that moment it was simply the three of us and God. I’m not surprised that being in such a meaningful place that we were able to block everything else out.

Such an amazing experience to be in the presence of the God we serve. I know many others have had a similar experience in such a special place. 

Grace & Peace

Kevin

Magdala

Sometimes I go into something with preconceived notions and expectations of what I think is going to happen or what I’m going to experience. I try my best to not have have these expectations when I venture to places I have never been. But as I journeyed to the Holy Land I couldn’t help but look at the itinerary and see what sites we were visiting each day. I looked at the first day and got excited about visiting the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Beatitudes, and the church of the fishes and loaves-which is the traditional site of the feeding of the 5000. The site on the itinerary about visiting the town of Magdala was really an afterthought when up against those other powerhouse locations from scripture. Well I should have known that it would be the most powerful because i didn’t think it would be that meaningful.     

Don’t get me wrong, all the sites were amazing but Magdala really stood out for a variety of reasons. We saw the ruins of a relatively newly discovered first century synagogue which included a rectangular stone from when the temple was standing. The chancel area in the chapel had a boat (yes-a not) that was uniquely positioned with a view of the Sea of Galilee behind it so it looked like the boat was on the water. It’s almost like it was placed that way on purpose. And the church on site was made in honor of Mary Magdalene, Old Testament women, New Testament women, and most importantly women of today. What a powerful message and representation of such a magnificent church.

My point is that sometimes we need to simply let go of our expectations and simply BE. Be in the presence of God and hear what God has to say through us through creation.

As Psalm 46:10 says: “Be still and know that I am God.” Do that and you might be surprised how God will speak to you.

Grace & Peace