The Jordan River

Road sign showing the turn-off for the baptismal site

On Monday, February 3^rd, on the way home from the Galilee, we visited the traditional site on the Jordan River where Christ was believed by some to be baptized.  What an experience because of the political tensions in that area!  We drove literally through a war zone to get there.  On both sides of the road were mine fields clearly posted.  It was a bleak and sterile area, but not long ago it was green and fertile.  It had been intentionally cleared for purposes of war.  Near the site was a military checkpoint where we were questioned before being allowed to proceed.

Once we arrived at our destination, we observed armed guards patrolling the area.  As we approached the water, just feet away and on the other side we could see tourists from the country of Jordan doing exactly the same thing we were doing, also being watched by armed guards - there to prevent any sign of conflict.  

Notice the guards behind me on the other side of the river.  

The middle of the river is the border between Israel and Jordan.

The irony of the situation was significant to me.  People seeking Christ (seeing where he was believed to be baptized) but being engulfed in the conflict of war, obviously failing to follow His teaching of “love thy neighbor.” Isn’t this war a result of religious differences and conflicting beliefs that in reality tie back to the same God?  It seemed no more than a turf war in the name of religion.  In any case, we dipped our hands and feet in the Jordan River, took some pictures, and headed back to Jerusalem.  It was likely not such a muddy river 2000 years ago.