His Cherry Blossom

The three peaks of Mt. Sinai Of all the incredible sights we got to see on our two day tour of Mt. Sinai and the surrounding region - perhaps the most impactful reality that struck me was in fact none of these. It wasn’t standing in the split of the magnificent rock where God provided water for thousands of Israelites. It wasn’t in finding historic petroglyphs of calf worship or exploring the possible remnants of the 12 pillars and the site of Moses’ altar. It wasn’t even setting foot on the mountain itself. The thing that jumped out at me as we walked along the rocky paths, climbing over boulders, making our way around thorny bushes, reverently passing tombs and burial sites, was the barrenness of the land. This was the wilderness Moses had lived in for 40 years tending sheep and then came back to for another 40 years leading a “flock” of rebellious and irritated Israelites.                      A Jewish cemetery near Sinai ...

A song, a sound of freedom, a cry, a voice of triumph. What is this living, moving breath whispering through the land? I hear the melody of the lyre, the beat of ancient drums, the sound of a people who know their God and are not afraid to speak. Oh wilderness, deserted lands - Oh desolate wasteland - hear! There is one crying out your name and He is not afraid to speak. He is aching for you to come to know Him, to hear Him. He is near, right at hand. Can you taste Him? Can you see Him? He is with you.  I stood on the soil moistened by the tears of heaven, drinking in the scent of the sweet rain. Could it be that this rain had softened my heart too? Could it be that somewhere where the distant seeds had fallen there was hope that one day they too would sprout? Could it be that the God who created the magnificent rocky craigs surrounding me truly dwelt within me? Could it be?  Oh my soul, it is true. The Master of the Symphony of Heaven created a song just for you to sing. For ...