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The lowest point of dry land on the earth is located in the Syro-African Rift along the shoreline of the Dead Sea, some 1300 feet below sea level. One of the most interesting stops we enjoy during our time in Israel is along these very shores. It's here where we walk into the waters not to swim, but to literally float. Known in the Bible as the "Salt Sea" or the "Sea of Arabah," the Dead Sea is appropriately named because within its waters nothing lives; its mineral content is too high to sustain life.
Looking upon its deadness, many throughout history have ascribed names to the Dead Sea like, "Sea of Lot," "Sea of Sodom," "Sea of Asphalt," "Stinking Sea (it does stink)," and even the "Devil's Sea." Because the lake is so low, water doesn't drain out of it; instead, 7 million tons of water evaporates daily, but the minerals remain, causing the salt content to increase. It's estimated that the Dead Sea's salt content is as high as 35% - this is what makes it possible to literally float in its waters without sinking. You can float while reading a newspaper or your Bible, which many people do. The mud is also useful and many spread it all over themselves to cleanse the skin while making it very soft.
The Dead Sea is not that prominent in the Bible compared to the Sea of Galilee. It's most important role in biblical times was as a protective barrier, blocking traffic to Judah from the east. We read in 2 Chronicles 20 that an advancing army of Ammonites and Moabites apparently cross a shallow part of the Dead Sea on their way to attack King Jehoshaphat. An incredible prophecy of Ezekiel predicts that one day the Dead Sea will be fresh water and fishermen will spread their nets along its shores, even to En Gedi.
As we compare the Dead Sea with the Sea of Galilee, an important spiritual lesson emerges. The Sea of Galilee is alive, vibrant, and full of life while the Dead Sea is, well, dead. Why? The Sea of Galilee has water flowing into and out of it. It's streaming and not stagnant. The Dead Sea has water flowing into it but has no outlet. The water becomes trapped and stagnant. Which Sea describes you?
Are you alive and teeming with life? Are you both receiving from the Lord and then giving? Or are you taking in and taking in and taking in, but never giving out?
Be careful my friend to remain alive in Jesus by not just taking, but giving, being used of God as a wonderful vessel all to His glory!
John 7:37-39 (NKJV)
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
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Aurora, CO 80013