We are finally home in Chicago, tired and exhausted, but deeply grateful for the journey of a life-time! We've been to where Jesus had lived, taught and performed miracles. But the greatest miracle of all is the unique miracle that took place in each of our hearts. We have all experienced a transformation within our minds and lives that will, forever, influence the way we live. Our last day in Jordan was quite moving. We began the day with a visit to "Bethany Beyond the Jordan", the traditional site where Jesus was baptized on the east side of the Jordan, just east of Jericho on the Jordanian side of the border. The day was warm and the setting was absolutely beautiful. We walked almost half a mile to get to the river.
We were surprised to find the river-water quite muddy due to the dirt that mixes with the moving water. Near the river, however, a shaded area had been built which included a big baptismal font that had clean water from the river. We gathered around the font with the Jordan River just behind us and began our service with a solo sung by a member of our group. We then read Matthew Chapter 3 to remind us of the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism. We then reflected on the meaning of our own baptism, how we died and rose again with Jesus when we were baptized. Since that time we have been called to follow in the footsteps of our Lord.
All were invited to the font where a sign of the cross was redrawn on the forehead of each and these or similar words were said: "Child of God, in your baptism you had been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the Cross of Christ forever. Go now and continue to follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen."
We were deeply moved when other pilgrims joined us at the font and wanted to experience with us the mark of the cross on their foreheads and a renewal of their commitment to discipleship. Many had tears in their eyes. It was deeply moving.
We later found out that one of the guests who joined us in worship was a Lutheran pilgrim from Uruguay. Others were Christians from California. We ended the service by singing other songs including "Jesus Loves Me" and "Shall we Gather at the River?".
In the afternoon, we traveled north towards the Syrian border and had lunch in Jerash, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world. We had a leasurely visit of this ancient city walking its main street which is lined by colons on both sides, and visiting the Triumphal Arch, the South Theatre, the Forum, and the Hippodrome. Jerash is one of the cities of the Decapolis mentioned in the Bible. We read the story of the healing of the Gerasene Demoniac from Mark Chapter 5 and reminded ourselves of what Jesus told him when the healed man begged to stay with Jesus:"But Jesus refused, and said to him, 'Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.' [20] And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed." (Mark 5:19-20)
So, at the end of our journey, even though we wanted to stay in the "Holy Land", we heard the call of Jesus to 'Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for us, and what mercy he has shown us.'
In the coming days, talk to your friends and family members who took this Journey about their experiences and allow them to share what they learned through this Journey together.
Blessings to you all,
Pastor Said
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