The last day of our time in Israel...
We began the morning in the Upper Room. This was the place of Jesus' observance of the Last Supper with the disciples. Here He washed their feet. Here He gave the commandment, "Love one another."
Many of the well-known teachings of Jesus were given in this intimate setting, just before His arrest:
"If you love Me, keep my commandments."
"In My Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again."
"I am the vine, you are the branches."
"If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father."
It was here that Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, the remembrance feast of the New Covenant in His blood, shed for many for the forgiveness of sins. This was where, 50 days after the resurrection on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on 120 believers. Again, we had a great time of worship and prayer. This was the Sabbath day here in Israel and God orchestrated the timing. We were able to spend a long time of worship and prayer here. Much of the time, we were the only ones in the Upper Room.
We then visited Caiaphas' house, where Jesus was tried before the High Priest and the Sanhedrin. It was here, before the High priest that Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, the Son of God. This claim resulted in a charge of blasphemy and the accompanying death penalty. We saw the prison and the dungeon where Jesus was likely held.
Our last biblical site was Bethlehem and the Shepherd's Field where the incarnation began...where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The cave and fields gave us a great visual perspective of where unto us, a Savior was born, Immanuel, God with us.
My 1100 pictures will have to refresh my memories of the many sites and ten days of travel. We leave tonight at 2:30 AM for the airport and 'Home Sweet Home', but the land of Israel goes with me, forever in my heart.
Lord, restore Your people. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Israel Day 9
We started today at the Mount of Olives. Many events from the life of Jesus happened here. Scripture tells us that Jesus was accustomed to going to the Mount of Olives, just outside the city. The view from here toward the site of the temple is amazing.
From the top of the mountain, we walked down the path that Jesus took from the Mount of Olives for the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. At the bottom of the hill is the Garden of Gethsemane. Some of the Olive trees here are 2000 years old and may have been witnesses to the agony of Jesus. We took time for prayer here and inside the Church of all Nations.
Next we visited the Jewish Holocost Museum. Somber and sobering.
We ended our day with a stop at the site of Calvary and the Garden Tomb. The rock formation of Golgotha really does look like a skull. Then we walked through the beautiful garden and went inside the tomb. I can join my testimony to those who have gone before and echo the words of the angel because I have seen with my own eyes, "He is not here, He is risen." The resurrection is the pivotal point of our faith for Paul said, "If Christ is not risen then you are dead in your sins." But thank God, He is risen and we are redeemed!
We then had a time of worship and shared communion together in the garden, singing 'Were You There When They Crucified My Lord, Here I Am to Worship and Amazing Love. What a powerful and emotional time. Words fail me and tears come again, even at this moment. Truly the highlight of the trip.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
From the top of the mountain, we walked down the path that Jesus took from the Mount of Olives for the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. At the bottom of the hill is the Garden of Gethsemane. Some of the Olive trees here are 2000 years old and may have been witnesses to the agony of Jesus. We took time for prayer here and inside the Church of all Nations.
Next we visited the Jewish Holocost Museum. Somber and sobering.
We ended our day with a stop at the site of Calvary and the Garden Tomb. The rock formation of Golgotha really does look like a skull. Then we walked through the beautiful garden and went inside the tomb. I can join my testimony to those who have gone before and echo the words of the angel because I have seen with my own eyes, "He is not here, He is risen." The resurrection is the pivotal point of our faith for Paul said, "If Christ is not risen then you are dead in your sins." But thank God, He is risen and we are redeemed!
We then had a time of worship and shared communion together in the garden, singing 'Were You There When They Crucified My Lord, Here I Am to Worship and Amazing Love. What a powerful and emotional time. Words fail me and tears come again, even at this moment. Truly the highlight of the trip.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Israel Day 8
Jerusalem -
We began the day at the Temple Mount, the site of the temple and current site of the Muslim Mosque, the Dome of the Rock. We entered the city through the Dung Gate, then past security to the Temple Mount. From the courtyard we looked out through the arches and saw the Mt. of Olives. The Dome covers the traditional site of Mt. Moriah where Abraham took Isaac to sacrifice him in Genesis, and the Holy of Holies of the Jewish Temple.
Coming off the Temple Mount, we walked the Via Dolorosa (the Way of Suffering), the path Jesus took as He carried the cross to Golgotha, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We then walked along the Western Wall of the Temple Mount in a tunnel beneath the city, and walked on a street from Jesus' day, a street He most surely would have traveled.
After a Filafel (sp?) lunch, we visited the Temple Institute, where they are preparing for building the third temple. We saw the furnishings of the temple that have already been made according to Old Testament descriptions and dimensions in preparation and expectation of rebuilding the temple. We saw the bronze laver, the golden lampstand, the table of showbread and the altar of incense, all completed and ready for use. We saw the garments of the priests and levites, as well as the High Priest's garments. This was even more interesting after visiting the tabernacle a few days ago.
Tomorrow we will visit Calvary, the Garden Tomb, and the Upper Room. This has been an enlightening pilgrimage, giving me a greater understanding of the Jewish roots of Christianity. Seeing the sights and dimensions with my own eyes gives a more accurate perspective to the accounts of Scripture.
I wish you were here with me.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
We began the day at the Temple Mount, the site of the temple and current site of the Muslim Mosque, the Dome of the Rock. We entered the city through the Dung Gate, then past security to the Temple Mount. From the courtyard we looked out through the arches and saw the Mt. of Olives. The Dome covers the traditional site of Mt. Moriah where Abraham took Isaac to sacrifice him in Genesis, and the Holy of Holies of the Jewish Temple.
Coming off the Temple Mount, we walked the Via Dolorosa (the Way of Suffering), the path Jesus took as He carried the cross to Golgotha, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We then walked along the Western Wall of the Temple Mount in a tunnel beneath the city, and walked on a street from Jesus' day, a street He most surely would have traveled.
After a Filafel (sp?) lunch, we visited the Temple Institute, where they are preparing for building the third temple. We saw the furnishings of the temple that have already been made according to Old Testament descriptions and dimensions in preparation and expectation of rebuilding the temple. We saw the bronze laver, the golden lampstand, the table of showbread and the altar of incense, all completed and ready for use. We saw the garments of the priests and levites, as well as the High Priest's garments. This was even more interesting after visiting the tabernacle a few days ago.
Tomorrow we will visit Calvary, the Garden Tomb, and the Upper Room. This has been an enlightening pilgrimage, giving me a greater understanding of the Jewish roots of Christianity. Seeing the sights and dimensions with my own eyes gives a more accurate perspective to the accounts of Scripture.
I wish you were here with me.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
Israel Day 7
We visited Masada in the morning. This mountain fortress that seems impenitrable was the last holdout of the Jewish rebels in 74 AD. It fell to the Romans after they built a siege ramp from the valley to the wall of the city on top of the mountain. We took a cable car to the top of the mountain, but walked down along the siege ramp. It was a long and difficult hike.
We then headed for a Bedoin camp in the Negev desert. We enjoyed a long camel ride, lunch and a time of hearing of the Bedoin customs. Then, a long drive to Jerusalem.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
We then headed for a Bedoin camp in the Negev desert. We enjoyed a long camel ride, lunch and a time of hearing of the Bedoin customs. Then, a long drive to Jerusalem.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Israel Day 6
We began today by visiting a mine, then an aquarium on the Red Sea. We viewed the beautiful coral reef from an underwater observatory. Driving north from the southern point of modern day Israel, we left Eliat on the tip of the Red Sea (Gulf of Aqaba). We visited Solomon's copper mines and discovered an unexpected treasure.
On this site was a full-scale reconstruction of the tabernacle of Moses...the size, color and style as described in Exodus. Our guide on the tour was a Messianic Jew. She walked us piece by piece through the tabernacle explaining the use and relation to it's ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. We entered through the one entrance...because Jesus is the only way to the Father.
We went to the outer court where the altar stood. It was here the sacrifice was offered. Then to the bronze laver for purifying. We entered the holy place with the golden lampstand, the table of showbread and the altar of incense. Then, we entered the Holy of Holies and stood in front of the Ark of the Covenant. We also saw inside the Ark, the tablets of the commandments, Aaron's rod that budded and the jar of manna. What an awesome, amazing time. We were overwhelmed by the presence of God. We worshiped. We prayed. We sang. We wept. What a powerful time in God's presence. This was definitely the highlight of the trip for me, so far. But, Jerusalem is yet to come.
From there we drove to Sodom and Gomorrah and the salt mountains and the Dead Sea, our stop for the night.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
On this site was a full-scale reconstruction of the tabernacle of Moses...the size, color and style as described in Exodus. Our guide on the tour was a Messianic Jew. She walked us piece by piece through the tabernacle explaining the use and relation to it's ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. We entered through the one entrance...because Jesus is the only way to the Father.
We went to the outer court where the altar stood. It was here the sacrifice was offered. Then to the bronze laver for purifying. We entered the holy place with the golden lampstand, the table of showbread and the altar of incense. Then, we entered the Holy of Holies and stood in front of the Ark of the Covenant. We also saw inside the Ark, the tablets of the commandments, Aaron's rod that budded and the jar of manna. What an awesome, amazing time. We were overwhelmed by the presence of God. We worshiped. We prayed. We sang. We wept. What a powerful time in God's presence. This was definitely the highlight of the trip for me, so far. But, Jerusalem is yet to come.
From there we drove to Sodom and Gomorrah and the salt mountains and the Dead Sea, our stop for the night.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
Monday, October 27, 2008
Israel Day 5
Today we saw the red rock city of Petra as seen in the Indiana Jones movie. I wish I could post pictures, but don't have that access from here. Hidden among the mountains, we had to horseback ride and walk the narrow canyon down into the city. It was majestic and beautiful.
On our way to Elat, we drove past the lands of the Ammonites and Edomites from the Old Testament, (Jordan today). It is barren, desolate wilderness and harsh country.
We also saw Moses' Springs, the alleged site of Moses striking the rock and God's miracle provision of water for Israel. We then drove to Elat for the night.
Enjoying the Journey, and missing my wife,
David
On our way to Elat, we drove past the lands of the Ammonites and Edomites from the Old Testament, (Jordan today). It is barren, desolate wilderness and harsh country.
We also saw Moses' Springs, the alleged site of Moses striking the rock and God's miracle provision of water for Israel. We then drove to Elat for the night.
Enjoying the Journey, and missing my wife,
David
Israel Day 4 - Sunday
We began today singing songs of worship and sharing scriptures of what God is doing in us. Our first stop was touring the ruins of Beth Shan, where Saul's body was hung after his death (1 Sam. 31:10)
We then crossed into Jordan and headed for Mt. Nebo. Jesus' ministry beyond the Jordan included the deliverance of the Gadarene demoniac and ministry in the decapolis region. The feeding of the 4000 and healing of many people happened in this area.
We arrived at Mt. Nebo to see Israel from Moses' view, since he could not enter the Promised Land. Our devotional this morning was from Numbers 20, whre Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God had instructed. Because of this, he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. It was a hazy day, so we could not see Jerusalem or even the Dead Sea, as you can when it is clear.
On the way to Mt. Nebo, we drove through harsh wilderness. . . rocks and dirt. The Israelites wandered in this barren place for 40 years because of disobedience. Note to self: It's not worth it to disobey God.
Our day ended with a long drive to Petra. The hotel was over booked, so they put us up in a very unique village that has been converted to a resort. Very nice. Favor of God.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
We then crossed into Jordan and headed for Mt. Nebo. Jesus' ministry beyond the Jordan included the deliverance of the Gadarene demoniac and ministry in the decapolis region. The feeding of the 4000 and healing of many people happened in this area.
We arrived at Mt. Nebo to see Israel from Moses' view, since he could not enter the Promised Land. Our devotional this morning was from Numbers 20, whre Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God had instructed. Because of this, he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. It was a hazy day, so we could not see Jerusalem or even the Dead Sea, as you can when it is clear.
On the way to Mt. Nebo, we drove through harsh wilderness. . . rocks and dirt. The Israelites wandered in this barren place for 40 years because of disobedience. Note to self: It's not worth it to disobey God.
Our day ended with a long drive to Petra. The hotel was over booked, so they put us up in a very unique village that has been converted to a resort. Very nice. Favor of God.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
Israel Day 3
We began today at the site of the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. We went from there to a display of the 'Jesus Boat', a boat discovered from the time of Christ. We then boarded a wooden boat for Capernaum. Many biblical accounts of the Sea of Galilee came to mind: jesus calming the storm, walking on the water and the miraculous catch of fish all happened on this small lake... 2 miles by 12 miles in size. We had a great time of worship.
In Capernaum, we visited the synagogue where Jesus taught and read three chapters from the Torah (Deut. 33-34; Gen. 1) So much happened in this city that was Jesus' home after He left Nazareth. Here Jesus taught in the synagogue and cast out a demon on the Sabbath. Later that day, he healed Peter's mother-in-law (we saw Peter's house, too) and when evening had come (after the Sabbath ended) they brought Him the sick and demon possessed and he healed them all. It was here in Capernaum that the paralytic was lowered through the roof by his four friends.
In the afternoon, we visited the site of the Feeding of the 5000 and drove to Caesarea Philipi where Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" in this pagan area of the country with great temples to Greek gods, Pan and Zeus, Peter's reply has great weight, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
We ended another long day at sundown with baptism in the Jordan River.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
In Capernaum, we visited the synagogue where Jesus taught and read three chapters from the Torah (Deut. 33-34; Gen. 1) So much happened in this city that was Jesus' home after He left Nazareth. Here Jesus taught in the synagogue and cast out a demon on the Sabbath. Later that day, he healed Peter's mother-in-law (we saw Peter's house, too) and when evening had come (after the Sabbath ended) they brought Him the sick and demon possessed and he healed them all. It was here in Capernaum that the paralytic was lowered through the roof by his four friends.
In the afternoon, we visited the site of the Feeding of the 5000 and drove to Caesarea Philipi where Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" in this pagan area of the country with great temples to Greek gods, Pan and Zeus, Peter's reply has great weight, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
We ended another long day at sundown with baptism in the Jordan River.
Enjoying the Journey,
David
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