Chinese people tend to be modest, like an empty valley receiving all things. When praised, they feel embarrassed and say polite, self-deprecating words. Americans react differently – when complimented, they all say in unison: "Thank you for your praise!" This actually comes from Christian culture. Because all of a person's good qualities, virtues, and good deeds come from God – they are merely expressed through an individual. If a person is too modest, it implies that all that goodness originates from themselves, which is actually another hidden form of pride that blasphemes God. When people praise us, they are praising the Jesus Christ within us. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created." (James 1:17-18). When I praised the pastors on this Israel trip, they naturally smiled and said, "Thank you, Amen!"
Today we visited the Israeli Knesset (Parliament). The above picture is outside the Knesset, with Frank, Mina and her husband, and Mark together.
The Knesset, located in Jerusalem, is Israel's legislative body. Its powers include passing laws and electing the President and Prime Minister. The Knesset building was inaugurated in 1966 and houses a library with more than 50,000 volumes of political treatises.
Inside the Knesset, listening to a speech by Rabbi Yehuda, a member of parliament.
Taking a group photo after the Rabbi signed his book.
The President's Shield group with the Rabbi and member of parliament.
Beautiful murals inside the Knesset (by a French painter) – David on the left, Moses on the right. The golden menorah hanging on the wall.
A wooden carved menorah in the Knesset.
Politics is always a sensitive topic, yet human life cannot be separated from politics. Religion and politics are closely intertwined. Israelis often face the danger of death, making politics very dangerous for politicians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, like US President Trump, is constantly attacked and persecuted in this earthly world. We need to pray for them.
At lunchtime – eating Chinese food at this restaurant.
The Jordan River flows through the borders of Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. Jesus came here to be baptized by John (Matthew 3:13; Mark 1:9; Luke 3:21, 4:1). At the Jordan River, John the Baptist declared that Jesus is the Son of God and the Lamb of God (John 1:29-36).
During His earthly ministry, Jesus crossed the Jordan River several times (Matthew 19:1; Mark 10:1). Believers also crossed the Jordan to hear Him preach and to be healed of their diseases (Matthew 4:25; Mark 3:7-8). When enemies tried to arrest Him, Jesus went to the place across the Jordan, where John had first been baptizing, and stayed there (John 10:39-40).
Finally at the Jordan River! The long-awaited baptism in the Jordan has begun. Sitting on the shore praying, the Holy Spirit is with us –
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
(Matthew 3:13-17, NIV)
Frank baptized me (the river water was very cold). Unforgettable, exciting. Frank asked me, "Do you feel that Jesus loves you? Are you ready?" I said, "I feel the Holy Spirit coming to my hands first" (my hands felt numb and swollen).
When Jesus came to the Jordan River to be baptized, it marked the beginning of His ministry. He set an example for us: before starting His ministry, He first received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus received water baptism, and at the same time, as He came up from the water – behold! the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove and came upon Him. Jesus received the baptism of the Holy Spirit simultaneously. Brothers and sisters! Even Jesus needed the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Do we need it?
I never imagined I would be baptized in the Jordan River so quickly. The Holy Spirit's timing is truly fast. God is accelerating His pace. In the picture above, Selina and I are beaming with joy after our baptism 😄
Finally, Frank and Mark, holding hands together, went into the river water seven times! These are the apostles, prophets, and pastors whom God greatly uses. God does not love them without reason. (Next time I also want to go in seven times.)
An Israeli soldier by the Jordan River. Her smile is as radiant as summer flowers 🌹
On the return journey from the Jordan River, a heavenly phenomenon appeared in the sky: the sun turned into a giant halo, with white clouds all the way – a smooth journey ~~
February 27, 2018
Deborah Blessings, Jerusalem, Israel