Pyramids to the Promised Land, Day 06

No one: Hey, it would be fun to revisit your trip to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel in 2019. For the next few days, you should post letters describing each day.

Me: Say less

Dear Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well. Today has been an incredible journey filled with spiritual insights and historical wonders. As we embarked on our bus this morning, tracing the Exodus route along the renowned King’s Highway, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the footsteps of those who came before us.

Our first stop was Madaba, where we visited St. George’s Basilica. The basilica, which reminds me of the Spanish missions in California, houses a remarkable 6th-century mosaic floor depicting the Holy Land as it was known to Christian pilgrims of that era. It was a breathtaking sight, reminding us of the rich tapestry of history woven into these ancient lands.

Next, we journeyed to Mt. Nebo, located in the general area where God revealed the Promised Land to Moses. Standing atop this sacred mountain, I couldn’t help but reflect on the profound significance of Moses’ leadership in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and into the land of promise.

In the afternoon, we ventured to the recently discovered baptismal site of “Bethany beyond the Jordan.” This site holds deep spiritual significance as a possible place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. It’s believed to be close to Beit Abara, where biblical figures like Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha crossed the river. As the Bible tells us in Matthew 3:13-17 and John 1:28, Jesus’ baptism marked a pivotal moment in his ministry, and the site, known as al-Maghtas, has been preserved since 1999 for visitors like us to experience.

Our journey continued northward to the Sheik Hussein Bridge, where we crossed into Israel and traveled to Tiberias. Here, we’ve settled into our hotel for the evening, grateful for the day’s experiences and the opportunity to immerse ourselves in this region’s rich history and spiritual significance.

‌As I reflect on today’s adventures, I’m reminded of the words in Mark 1:13 and Matthew 4:1-11, describing Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness following his baptism. Just as Jesus faced temptation and emerged victorious, may we, too, find strength and resilience in our spiritual journeys.

With love and blessings,

‌~PW 🌮🛶