How the Middle East helps me to deepen my faith
Understanding the Holy Land and aspects of the Bible more deeply: I was travelling in the Middle East - in the holy lands where many of the events of the Bible took place: Left of the Jordan in Israel - Jerusalem and Tel Aviv (which is not in the Bible). And to the right of the Jordan in Jordan where some of the "Ten Cities" are, the baptismal site on the Jordan.
In both the Israeli and Jordanian parts of the country, the culture and way of life of the people is no longer as it was in biblical times. Nevertheless, aspects of the culture have been preserved. I enjoy being here and understanding aspects of biblical texts more deeply.
Desert and water
There are vast desert regions in both countries. During my time here, I have read many texts from Isaiah that speak of God opening up springs in the desert.
Where there are even a few drops of water, life flourishes. Where there is no water, it remains desolate and empty. The inside of our hearts is often compared to deserts that need the water of a living encounter with God. This is better understood here.
Shepherds with voices and stones
As we were travelling, we had to wait by a road that was being crossed by a herd of goats. The shepherdess was shouting loudly at the sheep.
My host explained to me: "Did you hear the cry? I used to think - influenced by the gentle images of shepherds in European churches - that shepherds would always speak in a soft voice. Here - where Jesus lived - it's not like that. They sometimes shout really loudly. If a sheep is really in danger, they sometimes throw stones."
That touched me. When I look back on my life, I can recognise a few times when Jesus threw stones at my feet to stop me. I found that painful and brutal. Not super gentle. But also a form of shepherd's love.
Have an advocate
In the Middle East, you cannot simply go to an office or a person with important concerns and say "I want this or that".
You need someone who already has a good relationship with the person whose favour you need...and who invites you into that good relationship. An advocate who opens the door for you.
This is the case in Jordan, where many complicated bureaucratic processes become much easier when someone opens their doors. And also in Israel, where people are often willing to invite someone into their own network and open doors like Tabea from Kitepride told me.
"Vitamin B", the benefit of networks and relationships, naturally also exists in Europe. Here, however, it is even more deeply rooted in the culture.
The letter to the Hebrews picks up on many of these traditions when it speaks of Jesus as intercessor and mediator. In the Middle East, "We have the mediator of a new covenant!" or "We have an intercessor with the Father!" resonates far more than it does in our culture.
Being here opens my eyes and my heart wider. A gift.
Tip: The Quadro Discover the Bible explains well how you can open up texts from the Bible more deeply.
What moves you when you read this?
