HOLY LAND REVISITED - Petra

We have seen pictures of the walk into Petra but on March 19th we actually walked through this secluded passageway. The colors were extraordinary as though the master painter took liberties with color and definition. At the end of one mile we came face to face with the Treasury. It was called this because down through the ages man thought there was treasure hidden within the pillars and walls. Today you can see evidence of where the treasure seekers sought after the treasures. There is a small room at the entrance but it is no bigger than 15 x 20 and empty. heading out to the right and behind the Treasury we took a three mile trek through natures artistry combined with man! It is hard to describe the different shades of colors and the ornate structures carved out of the rocks to house the dead. It is hard to believe that Edomites still are living today in amongst these tombs that outline the tall walls that surrounded us.

We stopped at an old amphitheater and one of the directors began to speak about things that Jim and I didn't agree with, so that peiod of time was frustrating but picturesque. This is where some read only what they believe and don't believe what they read. By the time we reached the restaurant we were wore out. My legs ached and my stomach was growling!

The eatery was at the end of our walk through Petra and we knew that we had a return ascent facing us. But first we ate! Again a buffet was prepared for us and the fact that it was cooler inside made it all the more pleasant. The closest thing to a taxi cab was hitching a ride on a donkey. Marie and I mounted our steeds, such as they were and made it back up the hill without falling off. I kept sliding to the left and would have fallen off except for the guide who walked close beside me with words of encouragement; "Have courage lady!" Courage my eye! However, Jim surprised me and rode a camel.

Marie and I hired a carriage to take us back through the passageway and to the vendors at the entrance, even though we knew it would be bumpy and wild. Our driver a very young Bedouin, had two wives and he owned his horse. The more wives and horses you have shows your wealth. Marie and I did a little shopping while we waited for Jim. To our surprise he came riding up on a horse! What happened to the camel? Even though our exit from Petra was easier on our feet and legs it turned painful for Jim, as he pulled a muscle dismounting the camel and blisters because the padding covered a wooden saddle. Jim thinks they did that on purpose!

Remember the story of Jacob and Esau! Remember when they met up again many years later and parted friends? Their friendship didn't last long. Esau's name had been changed to Edom in memory of his having sold his birthright to Jacob, his brother. If Edom says; "We are shattered but we will rebuild this ruins; the Lord of hosts says; They may build, but I will tear down till they are called the wicked country, the people with whom His Lord is angry for every." Malachi 1:4 Petra is within the boundaries of the Edomites of biblical times. This is where Esau (Edom) took his people and built his domain. It is desolate and nothing but a tourist attraction. The Edomites refused to come to Israel's aid; God did not like that! Israel came from Jacob and the Edomites came from Esau. The animosity was never over.

God says this about Edom and the Edomites; "Behold, I will make you small among the nations; You are greatly despised. The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, you will live in the clefts of the rock, in the loftiness of your dwelling place, who say in your heart; Who will bring me down to earth? Though you build high like the eagle, though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord. Obadiah 1;2-4 The place Petra, is a place to visit because of it's extraordinary beauty and its history. But it is lost! Their only salvation is the same as ours; Jesus Christ! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/29/09