Israel - A Wilderness Changed - Part 1

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

I looked at the dry, parched land of rock and stone

In this barren and dusty place

A man was born

For the sins of the world to atone

Every blemish washed clean

Every dirty spot gone

At this City of David "Bet Lehem"

This "House of Bread"

O Bethlehem

"But you, Bethlehem in the land of Judah; Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel." Matthew 2:6

The waters remained placid on a bright morning

As we sailed across the Sea of Galilee

No big storm, no wild waves, no strong wind to test our faith

Gentle breeze caress our faces upturned

So removed from that scene

Of panic and fear, faith tested and failed

The Lord moved to calm their hearts

Across the waters He walked

Buoyant faith

"And Peter asked him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said 'Come.' So peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him saying, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'" Matthew 14:28-31.

I wondered in the garden of fenced up trees

So this was where he bowed to pray

This was Gethsemane

Sweat from his brow dripped like blood

A prelude of what was to come

What had to be

For one small moment, did he falter?

Almost as quickly, he placed it all in His Father's hands

"Not what I will, but what thou wilt."

"Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, 'Sit here, while I go over there to pray' ... And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'" Matthew 26:36, 39.

And can it be that at this Garden

And in this Tomb

By the Hill of the Skull

Laid a bruised and bloodied body?

In quiet, peaceful garden setting

A basket of bread

And olive cups of wine

Waited ... to be taken

Remembering the finished work of our Lord

"And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, 'This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.' And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood,even that which is poured out for you.'" Luke 22:19-20.

Thoughts from our recent trip to Bible Land - Israel. Gratitude to God for allowing me to be there. Dedicated to the 15 friends who took this journey with me. God bless you all.