DAILY JOURNAL #5

To Bethlehem. Changed to a different bus and tour guides at the checkpoint to get into this Palestinian controlled area. Not all tour groups get to see Bethlehem. Seeing the site of the birth of Jesus is amazing. Many think this is the original site.

This was one of the highlights of this trip for me. I had been to Bethlehem on previous trips, but we also were able to go ‘downstairs,’ beneath the church and see where Jerome translated the Scripture into Latin Vulgate. An amazing link in the chain of men and events that God provided to give us His inspired Word. We sure take the words of God to us for granted! The mosaic on the wall in “Jerome’s study” indicated that there were two women who somehow helped Jerome. I will have to research that aspect.

The city of Bethlehem is also the city of Ruth and Naomi and their story of faithfulness and the providence of God. Little did these two simple women know what an important role they would play in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Despite the hurt and disappointments of their lives they both are remembered through the centuries.

Back to Jerusalem and to the steps of the rebuilt southern wall of Temple Mount. Our Lord Jesus and the disciples may have walked on some of these steps. The choirs of the Temple must have stood on these steps and praised God. Perhaps Mary and Joseph walked on these steps when the brought the baby Jesus to the Temple for His dedication.

Saw the Hulda Gate at the southern steps Named after the prophetess who gave a word from God to King Josiah. The king could have sought out Zephaniah or Jeremiah for advice, yet he sent his representatives to Hulda, a woman. Perhaps the prophets were “out of town.”

A larger section of the street built during the time of Herod is now clearly seen to the west of the southern steps. An amazing site. Who walked on this street? What was it like on the day that the Temple was destroyed and the large rocks were thrown down upon the street? (So much has changed since my first trip in 1990. So much more to see. If God continues to let me return to the land what will it be like in 2010? I praise God for His blessing on me to make yet another trip-it is all up to Him.)

For the first time in several years we are permitted up on Temple Mount. It is not always open to tourists. In 1991 we were able to go into the Dome of the Rock. No more. The most holy site in the world for Jews, Muslims and Christians.

One of my favorite people in the Scripture is Anna of the Temple. I think about her as I walked around the Temple Mount. She was devout and was blessed to see the baby Jesus. She was alone in the world and devoted her life to God. I want to be like that. She saw the face of the God of the Universe.

The Temple Mount. Mt. Moriah. God hand-picked this site for His special purpose. Special in the past, even special in the present, and in the future only God knows of the splendor and plan.

Saw the Golden Gate (Eastern Gate) from the view inside the Temple Mount. Jesus rode on the back of a donkey through this gate as the men and women shouted praises. Some believe this is where Jesus will return. Most tourists see the Golden Gate as they drive by the eastern side of the wall, or as they stand in the Garden of Gethsemene. We were blessed to also see it from inside the Temple Mount.

The Pool of Bethesda is nearby - where Jesus healed the man. Still here after all these centuries. Why does God leave us these site? Some are ‘traditional,’ meaning their authenticity can be questioned, some are more than just ‘traditional.’ This site, the Pool of Bethesda is the actual site. Just rocks, shrubs, a hole in the ground, yet it represents the God of the Universe coming down to human kind to heal both our physical needs and our spiritual needs. Then He leaves us gentle reminders – such as this hole in the ground that we come to see - that He came to ‘tabernacle’ with us and reveal the mystery of the plan of salvation.

Adjacent to the Pool of Bethesda is the Church of St. Ann. Not a biblical reference, but noted for its acoustics. Built during the crusader period. Groups always sing here. The sound is fantastic. Not a site to be missed.

We saw too many things to write down. I hope I will remember them.