The St. George Monastery is in the Judean Desert near the mountain caves of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found and En Gedi, the high mountain oasis east of the Dead Sea and Masada, one of Herod’s mountain fortresses. It was near the end of the day, and I longed to be back at the hotel resting. Again I heard, “Everybody out.” And like everyone else, I got off the bus. “This is the area where John the Baptist lived and preached,” our guide said.
She opened her Bible and read from Isaiah, “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way, a voice of one calling in the wilderness. Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.” John the Baptist appeared in this wilderness preaching about a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Near the highway was a huge cross mount, not this one, where I found refuge in the shade away from the heat. It was the reprieve I needed to catch the words the guide read. I imagined people coming from Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside to see the Baptist, confessing their sins and being baptized in the Jordan River.
I remembered a different cross; the cross at the end of a grassy aisle at a revival where as a girl I gave my life to Christ. Even though many bad choices led me down a wrong path, God kept His hand on me. The cross has been my refuge of God’s grace, love and forgiveness. I’ve even thought that I had walked too far away from God and was ready to give up. I cried out to Him and heard His voice, “Could you make it if I stay with you?” That changed my life. I responded by reading the Bible and going to church. Tears flowed from every message.
My friend, refuge in Christ can be yours too. Instead of fear, stress or anxiety, you could have a peace that passes understanding. You could experience amazing love and an unbelievable inheritance–an abundant life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your love, forgiveness and mercy. Help us to respond in ways that bring you glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Closer Walk with God 