July 23, 2008
Another early wake up call, as we departed Jordan, another really bad hotel breakfast, another struggle to collect everyone’s room keys as chair of the travel committee, another crummy sack lunch to pick up for the road, another smelly bus to begin another wonderful day. Why? I am in the Holy Land. Every day is amazing. Today in particular, on account of the fact that we made a little stop at the River Jordan. Let’s review what we know about the River Jordan…no it is too much…let me sum up. Among others, the Savior of the Universe was baptized there. Baptized. We hoped off the bus right near the Jordanian border and visited the supposed baptismal site of Jesus the Christ. Now, due to some differences in the Gospels, there is some debate over where exactly it happened. Some believe that it was in a run-off pool beyond the Jordan River. In fact, that is the place where some brave organization boldly planted a sign stating: “The Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ.” However, due to a drought and quite simply a general lack of appeal, I choose not to agree with that site. It just does not fit with my romantic mind. Therefore, I will hold fast to my lifelong understanding that the Savior fulfilled all righteousness in the actual River Jordan. That just agrees with me. Anyways, despite its romantic harmony, the river, well it just is not the purdiest place I ever saw. You see, it is just so green…and not pretty. Nevertheless and notwithstanding, it is ridiculously sweet! Man I love seeing these places. There were armed guards with huge automatic weapons following us around the whole time. Since it is right on the border I guess there are a lot of security concerns, and therefore: we read from the scriptures with an armed Jordanian Soldier hovering. Neat huh? It did not hinder the Spirit however, and it was a great experience. We talked about how important the mission of John the Baptist was and how that mission continued into the Restoration. I wish we would have discussed a little bit more about the importance of Christ’s baptism. After being there, seeing that water and thinking about it, I stand all amazed at the humility of our Savior. He made the several day journey from his home, not necessarily to be baptized in Jordan, but to baptized of John. Seeing Jordan, I found myself responding like Namaan of Syria. Are there not bodies of water to be found in Galilee and Nazareth much more appealing to be baptized in, than this very green portion of the Jordan? And if the Jordan is so important, than why couldn’t Christ have entered in the Jordan at Galilee near his home from which the Jordan flows out of. Answer: It was not the water. It was the authority. It was the authority of God, the Priesthood of Aaron, that as a Levite, John held. Christ honored that authority and in an act of pure humility, though he had no need, was baptized to fulfill all righteousness and show the gate that leads to Eternal Life. Repent and be baptized, here I will even show you how to do it- that’s the compassion of our Savior. I was so grateful for 2 Nephi 31 today. It was kind of difficult to enjoy the river as much without being able to just jump right in it. We did however, get to put our feet in and that was enough for me I suppose. It was a really great day. I was at the River Jordan.
When we got back to the center we learned of a Terrorist attack on Jerusalem again. Another nut got hold of a bulldozer and began to barrel down the road taking out everything in his path. Luckily no one was killed this time, but some were injured and now, we are on lock down for a few days. Major bummer? Yes. Optimist Tyler? At least I will finally be forced to take time to study for my mid-term tomorrow. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.