Rivers in the Dessert

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 

Masada in the morning. The Dead Sea Scrolls at lunch. The Zacchaeus Tree for an afternoon snack. And floating in the Dead Sea for dessert. What a full day!  

But the most meaningful experience for us happened at the muddy creek that they call the Jordan River. 

Driving to the river near Jericho is quite the trek. A narrow road has been cleared through a minefield that serves as a security barrier between Israel and Jordan. On the Israeli side, ruins of ancient churches stand as sentinels, while across the river, the Jordanians have built huge modern churches to commemorate the spot where John the Baptist conducted his ministry. 

The river had recently flooded and the water was a murky, muddy mess. Much of the seating/steps that lead down to the water were closed and stepping into the water was a slimy, slippery experience. Pastor Debbie did not look happy. The idea of renewing baptismal vows with such dirty water didn't seem theologically appropriate.  

Even so, we set our hearts on the Spirit and watched as each person received personal blessings given by God through Debbie. Anointed with oil and water, the sacred words reminded us all: "Because you belong to Christ, you belong to us, and we belong to you."

There were two women, both by the name of Sylvia, who were from Mexico, who asked if they could receive a blessing too. In the spirit of God's inclusive embrace, we welcomed them into our circle of love.  

There is something personal and even intimate about this very public affirmation of God's love. Being seen, blessed, and addressed by name is rare these days. Even more so with a group of people watching. Somehow, God transformed our open-air sanctuary by the muddy Jordan into sacred ground. We all heard and felt the Spirit's affirmation - "This is my beloved." Nothing murky about that!