Samaria & Vespers Testimony 26 FEB

On our latest field study trip while driving through Samaria, we saw where Jacob tended the land all those years with Leah while waiting for younger sister Rachel's hand; thanks alot Laban. The land was portioned to his sons and their descendents. We saw some of the most beautiful countryside yet as we traveled through Joseph's allotment (Genesis 49-22-26), later divided between his sons Ephraim & Manasseh (known as the "half tribes").

We spent time on Mount Gerazim, the site of Israel shouting out blessings across the valley to Mount Ebal (Deut 11). We visited a community of Samaritans, one of only 2 left worldwide comprising just 750 people (here at Mt. Gerazim & Tel Aviv where some have gone for work). They numbered over a million prior to 1917 when their population dwindled to just over a hundred. The priest took time to explain some of the heritage of the Samaritan sect, and their belief in the Messiah's coming in the end times. In a typically Eastern mentality, the importance of claiming priority in traditions and practices shone through. They see themselves as the main heirs of Moses and in possession of the original scroll of the Pentateuch, as well as the oldest written language. hmmmmmm

They mainly want to live in peace and claim their right to exist in the "old ways", which includes a right to land and animal sacrifice. We have learned that you can purchase "tickets" to the Passover ritual. I'll pass over this. . . They speak Arabic, worship in a synagogue, and sure do think a lot of Jesus. Dr. Wright said that being such a small sect, they just can't afford to tick anybody off! I said they need a banner stretching across the entrance to their one street through their lovely little town "Why Can't We All Just Get Along". I was fascinated with them . . . Oh yeah, and about that dwindling population? They are always in the market for women to increase their numbers. Anybody interested???

Later on in the day we spent time at the biblical site of Shiloh, a venue for the tabernacle before it got moved around and ended up in Jerusalem. Although raining off and on all day,the bottom dropped out while we were there, and we found shelter in old Byzantine church remains for our picnic lunch (see video clip).

Back to JUC in time for shabbat dinner and vespers service. It was our privilege to speak to the students that night. Nat introduced the Beltway video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0uHnr3pnpA by saying, in short, that sometimes blessings come from tragedy (of course referencing Kenzley). Then we showed the video. I spoke briefly afterward telling them that we sent a birthday gift to our granddaughter who would be celebrating her fourth the next day, February 27th. I said that I personally don't know a parent, or grandparent, who doesn't want to bless their children. We get that Godly characteristic from our Father, who also wants to bless us as His children. But that is not His purpose. His purpose is to redeem mankind, and He wants to partner with us in that process. He also is preparing each of us to rule & reign with Him in eternity. The testimony of our lives (especially in the tough stuff) overcomes the enemy, witnesses to others of a sustaining faith, and readies us for our eternal assignment. I also said that when difficulties come into our lives, and they surely will, we can do one of several things. We can turn away, turn inward, or press into Him to find out what He is wanting to teach us. For me, it has been about the realities of Heaven. I believe that on a large scale the Church of Jesus Christ has lost interest in learning about our future home. I expanded just a bit, using Colossians 3:1-4. I hope these students will not only study where Jesus walked . . . but where we will walk with Him.

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is you life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

It was good in that it served to put us in even closer relationship with the students, and some have wanted to talk further . . .

Shalom y'all