Out of the Desert into Canaan

"On Zion's glorious summit stood, a numerous host redeemed by blood," were words that echoed between the mountain tops as Kristen and I attempted the five mile, three hour hike to the top of Angel's Landing, in Zion National Park, Utah.  This park has rightfully earned its name, an oasis in the middle of the desert, lush with greenery and cliffs painted with a beautiful multi-layered record of the past.  For Kristen and I, camping in this park for two nights and hiking for two days was paradise compared to the sweltering heat we had previously experienced in Phoenix.  When we got in the evening of our first night we were required to stay in a group campsite with some other travelers because all of the single campsites were booked.  When this kind of thing occurs we have learned to put up our God antennas and assume he has someone in mind that could make use of the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  It so happened that we were placed with three British guys who grew up together in Oxford and were making a quick road trip through the U.S. to celebrate graduating from university.  They had stopped in this beautiful Eden on the way to Las Vegas.  As we shared seating area and watched as they built a fire out of our cooking embers we began to learn about what each of them planned to do with their lives.  One was a history major, desiring to use that to change his part of the world.  Another desired to design homes with his talents as a architect.  The third specialized in Greco-Roman history.  His area of study brought about thoughts of an ancient Jewish peasant named Jesus, who Kristen and I explained to them was our Lord.  Understanding where these guys of our generation were coming from (caring deeply about the injustices of the modern world), we explained to them how we wanted to share His love in Africa, not as colonialists attempting to undergo a takeover of resources but as ambassadors of another kingdom, one that affirmed the positive traits of the tribal group we were reaching out to, while at the same time offering forgiveness of and freedom from sins that had destroyed their connection with the life giving God.  We explained how the Gospel of Christ was the answer to peace amongst tribal groups who fought over each of their "god-given" rights to all the cattle in the world.  Though I in some ways wish we had challenged them to know the Lord and give their lives and plans up to Him I hope they were able to see the impact His love has to bring justice to the poor and oppressed of this world while still affirming the need for eternal salvation and not just to line the pockets of westerners, .  Our honest conversation gave Kristen and I the opportunity to pray over them in person, that they may come to know the love of Christ more fully, that they may be drawn nearer to Him and that they might have a fun time on the rest of their trip.  This gave us the opportunity to plant seeds in their hearts without making assumptions about their plans for Vegas, and without denying our allegiance to Christ.  The next day Kristen and I took a beautiful hike up to Angel's Landing.  Huffing and puffing up the mountain was soon rewarded by breath-taking views of the valley below.  God is beyond grand.  His creation is spectacular.  The next day the emerald pool hike refreshed us as we felt breezes come off the cliff faces as water trickled down their slippery walls in to deep green eyes below.  God is so good and even if we had said nothing to these guys we are grateful that even the creation displays His majesty to those who are unsure of his love for them.

-- Taylor