From the Field India: Walking through Old Delhi

Photo taken by Lily McDaniel, June 2024.

People say that when you start dreaming in the language you’re learning that’s when you know it’s really starting to stick. I think learning the Bible is similar.

When you start walking around and seeing Scriptures come to life, that’s when you know the Word of God is really becoming a part of you.

Yesterday, we went to Old Delhi to see the area and visit The Jama Masjid (a mosque built during the Mughal rule). I thought of the conversation between God and Jeremiah when God asks Jeremiah what he sees (Jer. 1:11&13). From what Jeremiah sees God is able to speak to him and further open his eyes to see more. This was my prayer going into Old Delhi. 

As our team walked, we passed two stationary bike carts, each holding 7 empty, refillable, plastic water bottles (the kind you put in office water dispenser stations). When I saw the first cart, I thought about how hot it was outside and how hot and sweaty I was. When I saw the second one a few paces down, I thought about the Wedding of Cana in John 2. I thought about the 6 empty jars for purification rites that Jesus had servants fill with water and himself turn into wine. 

I thought about this story and what was asked of Jesus in that moment. At a wedding with no more wine for the guests, in the height of the celebration, Jesus’ mom brings the issue to him and pushes him into doing something about it.

The connections between this story and my moment just kept coming as I walked and thought about what I was seeing. From empty jars set aside for religious rituals to empty water jugs. From Jesus moving to action at the word of his parent to me keeping my eyes open at the word of my heavenly parent. 

Old Delhi is full of people ready to carry out the spiritual, ritual practices they believe necessary. Similar to the Jewish people who were so focused on tradition, rules, and regulations. These practices still leave people hungry and thirsty. The crowds gather along the sides of the road and in front of these religious buildings— mosques, temples, and churches. 

So where are the resources? Where is the water? And who is going to turn it to wine? Who is going to give the crowd a reason to celebrate again? 

We exited the street and headed to The Jama Masjid. Walking up the stairs, a woman tapped me on the shoulder and motioned her hand to her mouth and asked for food. I told her I didn’t have any and turned around. She followed me, tapping my shoulder with more force and voicing a louder request for food. I looked at her and tried to tell her in my language and hers that I didn’t have anything. The water jars are empty, my bag is empty, and her stomach is empty. 

This isn’t a feel-good Disney ending, because the faces of the hungry aren’t something I’m willing to forget. This is a moment of hovering over the chaos, where God is, instead of falling into it. 

I believe just as Jesus provided for so many crowds, he will provide for the crowds again. I believe that the water jars don’t have to stay empty, and that when Jesus’ people fill them a celebration of life can take place.