Masada: Jewish resistance’s last stand against Romans

The first time I went on a pastor’s familiarization tour, Masada was not included. In this pilgrimage I led, Masada was included but a flash flood spoiled our plans. The Israeli tour guide said they will try again the next day. We were all so glad the electric cable car system was restored to working order. I heard so much of the last stand of the Jewish resistance, I wanted to see it myself. The fortress does look formidable and impenetrable and unreachable on the top of a steep and bare hill. The Romans surrounded and besieged them till the resistance force took their own lives. The guide said the Israeli armed forces now pledged their loyalty at the site.

Depiction of Masada on the wall of the cable car station
Depiction of Masada on the wall of the cable car station
Looking out from the entrance into Masada
Looking out from the entrance into Masada
The Dead Sea in the distance
The Dead Sea in the distance
Briefed on the various features of the fort
Briefed on the various features of the fort
Our Israeli guide was suave, handsome and speaks with an American accent
Our Israeli guide was suave, handsome and speaks with an American accent
The fort was a few football fields in size
The fort was a few football fields in size
Standing amid the quarters
Standing amid the quarters
Another view from various high spots in the fort
Another view from various high spots in the fort
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EAT: Scripture reading and meditation

BibleIt’s not meant to be a chore or religious duty but it can easily become such. It’s not meant to be an intellectual ritual, but sadly it is for many. Reading and meditation on Scriptures and praying from them can be a lovely time of listening and sitting at the Lord’s feet. We quiet ourselves. We take a portion of the Bible and read slowly and listen for Him. Some phrase, word, image or insight gently rise above the rest and we dwell on that and eat. And chew. Let our spiritual organs digest and draw nutrition for our walk. Talk to the Lord about your pondering and the feelings that surfaced. How nice, how pleasant it is to dwell in the house of His presence.

If you are wondering what to read and find it hard to decide, why not try the Revised Common Lectionary. Four bite sized portions of Scriptures every week that covers the major themes of the Bible in three years. Some days you may want to linger longer in a passage that is rich and from which the Lord is speaking significant matters to you. Go deeper and abide there till what He wants said is said.

Pin the website to your home page on your smartphone, or favourite it in your web browser. May your times with the Lord be sweet this year.

So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it, it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey”. (Rev 10:9 ESV)

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Genesis Land: welcomed by Abraham

This was an interesting experience: a camel ride and some hospitality from Abram. Great idea and fun. We rode the camels to Abrams’ tent and there he welcomed us to a meal. We were blessed.

It started with a historical and geographical sketch.
It started with a historical and geographical sketch.
Steven and Tiffany gets on their ride
Steven and Tiffany gets on their ride
Baby and Joyce
Baby and Joyce
Lay Choo and Caleb
Lay Choo and Caleb
Sumei and Ezra
Sumei and Ezra
Sam and Caleb
Sam and Caleb
It was about 15 minutes ride to Abram's tent
It was about 15 minutes ride to Abram’s tent
This was just starters. Sadly no fatted calf was included in the meal. Just Jewish chicken.
This was just starters. Sadly no fatted calf was included in the meal. Just chicken.
The desert has its own beauty
The desert has its own beauty
With my wife and sister in law.
With my wife and sister in law.
With wonderful Raffles Air tour organizers and owners Albert and Jenny.
With wonderful Raffles Air tour organizers and owners Albert and Jenny.

 

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