(For those who did travel along with me in September – forgive me if I have confused the sequence of the various stops. We saw soooooooo very much and my notes are incomplete. I remember what we saw, just not the exact sequence. I guess I will just have to take better notes on the next trip! And I have not included any pics - having trouble loading them.)
Our last day:
The most special of all sites – the Garden Tomb. We start out a little bit later in the day because we will go directly to the airport this evening. It is clear and beautiful. We sit in view of “Calvary” – or Place of the Skull. It does look like the face of a skull. A tour guide from the Garden Association explains what we are seeing. His theme is…this is great…but remember…the tomb is empty – we worship God, not the empty site.
A short few steps through a beautiful garden and we see the empty tomb. It is always a moving moment. We celebrate the Lords Supper in the shade of a beautiful tree. Our pastor led us in a quiet and serene time of prayer and contemplation. (Thank you God that I am here once again.) What a way to start the day!
A drive across town to the Holocaust Museum, spending a few hours looking though this amazing museum. I am always choked-up when I walk through the museum dedicated to all the children that were killed.
A drive to the south west of Jerusalem to the valley where David met Goliath. We had such a great time as we re-enacted the confrontation between David and the giant. Not any of us will ever read the passage in Scripture again without thinking about this special moment.
A great going-away dinner where everyone who wanted to say a few words about the trip was invited to speak. Several who really did not want to make this trip stood up and said now they were so very glad they had done it. Several said the typical “My life will never be the same!”
What have I forgotten to mention in this blog? We had time for shopping several times, even at a modern mall, and plenty of time for eating! There was time for fellowship with old friends, and the making of new, lifelong friends. We walked, we talked, we cried.
Oh yes, at the Mt. of Olives overlook several people had the opportunity to take a short camel ride, and we had our group-picture taken.
We saw Bethlehem and the Shepherds Field – but from the distance. Bethlehem is now part of the West Bank – and sometimes not very safe to enter. We decided to be safe.
On the boat ride on the Galilee they raised the American Flag, and we sang the National Anthem.
On yes, we had to opportunity to stop at a site that was a coffee shop with the theme of “Elvis Presley” what fun. Even in Israel there is an Elvis sighting!
So much more…but that is it for this blog. My ending thought….I can’t wait to go back again!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Trip - Part VIII
(For those who were on the trip with me, my notes are not complete, and as you know, everything tends to run together sometimes. I have been home a few days not...I am not sure of the exact order of these events....so don't e-mail me with corrections :) )
First stop today is the Mt. of Olives overlook. What a view of the ancient walls of the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock! It is a clear, warm morning. We walked down into the Garden of Gethsemane and Church of All Nations. This stop is always very inspiring. This probably is the same site where Jesus came to pray before being arrested. There is a gnarled, twisted olive tree that has been dated as being 2,000 years old. It may have been a silent witness to the scene.
The garden gives an unobstructed view across the Kidron Valley to see the Eastern Gate. Sealed by massive stones this is probably the gate that Jesus entered to reach the Temple from the east. It is also the gate that many believe the Messiah will return in the end days. The Turks sealed it and put a Muslim cemetery in front of it, knowing that few will desecrate a cemetery to get to the gate. Also called the Golden Gate, this is another of my favorite sites.
To the Archaeological Garden/Davidson Center adjacent to the Western Wall (we will visit this later.)
Also called the ‘southern steps’ these are the excavated steps that led into the Temple Mount from the south part of the city. Jesus and so many other characters from Scripture probably walked up these very steps. Then a short walk to see the “Herodian Street” on the south western corner of the walls. When the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70AD large stones from the Temple Mount walls were thrown down into the streets below. Ancient, stone pavement, broken and buckled have been uncovered – and now we walk up on them.
To the Western Wall. This is the day of the week for Bar Mitzvah celebrations. Jewish families with someone blowing a shofar and beating a drum, dance and celebrate the passage of the 13 year old boy into manhood. The men on the left and the women, separated by a 6’ high barrier, on the right. I see women of all ages, and obviously from a wide variety of nations – many dressed in their national garb. We walk down to the Wall, stop and pray. It is an amazing site. Again I stand there and breath a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessing of being able to stand there once again, I pray for my family and for several other needs and promises made to people.
To the Museum of Israel. Viewing of the “Jerusalem Model.” What the city must have looked like at the time of Jesus. Into the “Shrine of the Book” to view parts of the Dead Sea Scroll- actual fragments and replicas.
A walk through the Jewish Quarter to the Temple Institute. Few tour groups visit here. This is my second time. A guide tells us of the goal of the Temple Institute to provide all the necessary items for the Third Temple. We saw the actual Table of Show Bread and Garments of the High Priest. When asked if the actual building blocks of the Third Temple are ready, the man sheepishly just says, “We are working on it.” When it is time for the Third Temple to be built on the Temple Mount, I am sure it will take a very short time for it to go up.
We also visited the church over the site of the home of the High Priest, Caiaphas. There is a deep pit in the base where prisoners were kept. It is a sobering thought to think that the Lord Jesus Christ suffered in this area before being taken to the Romans.
Tonight after dinner the group returns to the area of the Western Wall to tour the Kotel, or “Rabbi Tunnel.” This underground passage extends from the area of the Wailing Wall, to the north-west corner of the wall. As we walk the narrow passage we see, and even touch, the original massive stones that made up the base of the walls for the ancient Temple Mount.
First stop today is the Mt. of Olives overlook. What a view of the ancient walls of the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock! It is a clear, warm morning. We walked down into the Garden of Gethsemane and Church of All Nations. This stop is always very inspiring. This probably is the same site where Jesus came to pray before being arrested. There is a gnarled, twisted olive tree that has been dated as being 2,000 years old. It may have been a silent witness to the scene.
The garden gives an unobstructed view across the Kidron Valley to see the Eastern Gate. Sealed by massive stones this is probably the gate that Jesus entered to reach the Temple from the east. It is also the gate that many believe the Messiah will return in the end days. The Turks sealed it and put a Muslim cemetery in front of it, knowing that few will desecrate a cemetery to get to the gate. Also called the Golden Gate, this is another of my favorite sites.
To the Archaeological Garden/Davidson Center adjacent to the Western Wall (we will visit this later.)
Also called the ‘southern steps’ these are the excavated steps that led into the Temple Mount from the south part of the city. Jesus and so many other characters from Scripture probably walked up these very steps. Then a short walk to see the “Herodian Street” on the south western corner of the walls. When the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70AD large stones from the Temple Mount walls were thrown down into the streets below. Ancient, stone pavement, broken and buckled have been uncovered – and now we walk up on them.
To the Western Wall. This is the day of the week for Bar Mitzvah celebrations. Jewish families with someone blowing a shofar and beating a drum, dance and celebrate the passage of the 13 year old boy into manhood. The men on the left and the women, separated by a 6’ high barrier, on the right. I see women of all ages, and obviously from a wide variety of nations – many dressed in their national garb. We walk down to the Wall, stop and pray. It is an amazing site. Again I stand there and breath a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessing of being able to stand there once again, I pray for my family and for several other needs and promises made to people.
To the Museum of Israel. Viewing of the “Jerusalem Model.” What the city must have looked like at the time of Jesus. Into the “Shrine of the Book” to view parts of the Dead Sea Scroll- actual fragments and replicas.
A walk through the Jewish Quarter to the Temple Institute. Few tour groups visit here. This is my second time. A guide tells us of the goal of the Temple Institute to provide all the necessary items for the Third Temple. We saw the actual Table of Show Bread and Garments of the High Priest. When asked if the actual building blocks of the Third Temple are ready, the man sheepishly just says, “We are working on it.” When it is time for the Third Temple to be built on the Temple Mount, I am sure it will take a very short time for it to go up.
We also visited the church over the site of the home of the High Priest, Caiaphas. There is a deep pit in the base where prisoners were kept. It is a sobering thought to think that the Lord Jesus Christ suffered in this area before being taken to the Romans.
Tonight after dinner the group returns to the area of the Western Wall to tour the Kotel, or “Rabbi Tunnel.” This underground passage extends from the area of the Wailing Wall, to the north-west corner of the wall. As we walk the narrow passage we see, and even touch, the original massive stones that made up the base of the walls for the ancient Temple Mount.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Trip - Part VII
I will continue with the days in Israel but...a side-bar. I was reminded of a poem that I wrote several years ago about my travels to Israel. It is dedicated to the pastors and friends that I have traveled with to the Holy Land.
We have traveled the Holy Land together many times.
In heat and cold, sun and rain.
Even in the snow!
We have traveled by plane, bus, boat, by foot.
Even by camel!
We have been from Dan to Beersheba,
From the blue Mediterranean, to the red clay of Petra.
From the bunkers cut in the Golan,
To a tomb cut in Mt. Moriah.
From the Temple Mount, to the top of Masada.
From Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee,
To En Gedi on the shores of the Dead Sea.
From Bethlehem where it all began,
To Megiddo, where it will all end.
From the Eastern Gate, to the Western Wall.
From where the waters of Mt. Hermon join the Jordan River,
To the Red Sea at Eilat.
From the horrors of the Holocaust Museum,
To the quiet place where baby Jesus was born.
We have explored the ruins of cities, synagogues, homes, prisons, steps, pools, bunkers, theaters, stables, and even an ancient boat.
We are always amazed and in wonderment, as our lives are changed with each trip. We have been truly blessed!
(The travel blog will continue with the visit in Jerusalem with my next entry.)
We have traveled the Holy Land together many times.
In heat and cold, sun and rain.
Even in the snow!
We have traveled by plane, bus, boat, by foot.
Even by camel!
We have been from Dan to Beersheba,
From the blue Mediterranean, to the red clay of Petra.
From the bunkers cut in the Golan,
To a tomb cut in Mt. Moriah.
From the Temple Mount, to the top of Masada.
From Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee,
To En Gedi on the shores of the Dead Sea.
From Bethlehem where it all began,
To Megiddo, where it will all end.
From the Eastern Gate, to the Western Wall.
From where the waters of Mt. Hermon join the Jordan River,
To the Red Sea at Eilat.
From the horrors of the Holocaust Museum,
To the quiet place where baby Jesus was born.
We have explored the ruins of cities, synagogues, homes, prisons, steps, pools, bunkers, theaters, stables, and even an ancient boat.
We are always amazed and in wonderment, as our lives are changed with each trip. We have been truly blessed!
(The travel blog will continue with the visit in Jerusalem with my next entry.)
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Trip - Part VI
After a rest in the air conditioned gift shop at Masada – we were all back on the bus to drive north to visit En Gedi. This beautiful narrow green crevice in the dry brown canyons of the desert was where David hid out from Saul, and later confronted Saul in a cave. A beautiful waterfall is reached by hiking up a narrow path along a stream. Wild deer and rock badgers are frequently seen along the way. I have seen this site several times, but to be honest – I did not take this hike today. Two of us stayed in the shade of some date palm trees at the gift shop. I know my limits, after the hike up Masada several hours ago, I want to be healthy for the next few days in Jerusalem.
We drive ‘up to Jerusalem.’ Along the way we meet the crush of modern day traffic – yet along the side of the road are camps of Bedouin with their goat herds….modern day nomads that still live in tents and are much like the families of Abraham and Jacob. Israel provides education for the children, medial care and tanks of water for each site. I think the men are required to serve in the military (as are all Israeli men and women at the age of 18.)
Oh Jerusalem….our next stop. Of all the sites in Jerusalem, for me, one of the most moving is the moment our bus exits a tunnel, and turns into the modern city of Jerusalem. The temple mount area with the gleaming, golden, Dome of the Rock is an awesome site. I do not venerate the Dome of the Rock (a Muslim mosque)– but this beautiful site is where the Holy Temples of Israel stood so long ago. God lived among men on this site! WOW!
The Temple Mount is also where Abraham prepared to offer up Isaac, where Jesus walked and talked, and where Solomon ruled, as did all the Kings (and Queen Athaliah) of Israel. God calls that this center of the world, His “Holy City.”... this is where the Third Temple, and later, the New Jerusalem will be built!!! The most important piece of real estate on the planet….and here I am seeing it again!! (I know that in a day or two I will probably get to actually walk on the Temple Mount.)
We stop at an overlook of Mount Scopas and enjoy the view for a few minutes. From our vantage point we can see the Mount of Olives, Kidron Valley, several churches, the walls of the Temple Mount, The Dome of the Rock, and a large portion of the modern city of Jerusalem. Behind us is the Hebrew University.
It has been a long and tiring day but we are in Jerusalem. What a blessing!
Thank You God for another trip to Israel.
We drive ‘up to Jerusalem.’ Along the way we meet the crush of modern day traffic – yet along the side of the road are camps of Bedouin with their goat herds….modern day nomads that still live in tents and are much like the families of Abraham and Jacob. Israel provides education for the children, medial care and tanks of water for each site. I think the men are required to serve in the military (as are all Israeli men and women at the age of 18.)
Oh Jerusalem….our next stop. Of all the sites in Jerusalem, for me, one of the most moving is the moment our bus exits a tunnel, and turns into the modern city of Jerusalem. The temple mount area with the gleaming, golden, Dome of the Rock is an awesome site. I do not venerate the Dome of the Rock (a Muslim mosque)– but this beautiful site is where the Holy Temples of Israel stood so long ago. God lived among men on this site! WOW!
The Temple Mount is also where Abraham prepared to offer up Isaac, where Jesus walked and talked, and where Solomon ruled, as did all the Kings (and Queen Athaliah) of Israel. God calls that this center of the world, His “Holy City.”... this is where the Third Temple, and later, the New Jerusalem will be built!!! The most important piece of real estate on the planet….and here I am seeing it again!! (I know that in a day or two I will probably get to actually walk on the Temple Mount.)
We stop at an overlook of Mount Scopas and enjoy the view for a few minutes. From our vantage point we can see the Mount of Olives, Kidron Valley, several churches, the walls of the Temple Mount, The Dome of the Rock, and a large portion of the modern city of Jerusalem. Behind us is the Hebrew University.
It has been a long and tiring day but we are in Jerusalem. What a blessing!
Thank You God for another trip to Israel.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Trip - Part V
Today we leave the area of the Sea of Galilee and travel almost the entire length of Israel, to the Dead Sea. Several stops along the way.
My interest this trip has been looking at the geography in relation to the twelve tribes of Israel. The area of the Sea of Galilee belonged to Napthali on the west and Manasseh on the East. Most of the drive south, along the Jordan River will be the land of Manasseh.
We take a side drive, west, to see the springs where Gideon chose his men for a great battle. A beautiful park, with pool and picnic area surrounds the site. Clear spring water flows from the side of the mountain in a narrow trickle. Many of us get down on our knees to "lap" water with our hands. A great teaching from the Pastor.
On to the ruins of the Roman city of Beit Shan dating back to the 16th century BC. A Roman street, theatre and other structures have been unearthed. One of the ten cities of the Decapolis. Destroyed by a major earthquake in 749 AD. Relevant in Scripture as the city on which the bodies of King Saul was hung after being killed. The people of Jabash Gilead (across the Jordan River to the west) rescued the body and showed respect for the king. (I visited the ruins of Jabash Gilead on a trip several years ago.)
At Beit Shan I did something I have never done. Instead of the walk-around tour with our guide, several of us made the walk up the tel/ancient mound located in the rear section of the site. This is the "Fortress Mound" that has not been fully excavated. Like a little hill, this 'tel' or mound looms majestically behind Biet Shan. Few tourists make the steep climb up the mound because of time restraints, and difficulty - but I wanted to walk the tel this trip. The view was worth the short hike in the heat. Beneath our feet are buried ancient artifacts - perhaps part of the ancient city - it just has not been excavated yet.
We drive south along the Jordan River to the Dead Sea. Passed through a security check point - going into the West Bank area. Saw Jericho, a large heard of camels, date palm orchards, small modern villages, and large farms in the distance. Moab, or modern-day Jordan to the west on the other side of the Jordan River.
A visit to Quamran to view, from a distance, the cave where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We are in the land area of the tribe of Judah. Lunch and shopping at this site. It is hot. We have dropped down from the green hills of northern Israel into the dry, lowest place on the earth. The area of the Dead Sea is part of the slash across the planet known as the African Rift. The Dead Sea is the lowest location on the planet - 1200 feet below sea level.
Dry and brown. Nothing grows in this area - thus called "dead". The "sea" is formed by water that flows from the north, through the Jordan River to this "dead sea." Becaue there is no outlet, the water pools and stagnates. The water evaporages and leaves riches of minerals such as potash that is mined- but nothing lives in the salty water. No fish. No plants. No organisms. No ruins of Sodom and Gomorrah - but just looking around at the lifeless landscape is proof of what took place with Lot and his family.
We check into the hotel and head for the water. It is always fun to swim in the Dead Sea...if only briefly. Because of the salty ph of the water, swimmers 'bob' around. People come from all over the world for the medicinal properties of the salty water on the skin.
We spend the night at another first-class hotel. The accomodations are beautiful and the food is wonderful - and never ending.
My interest this trip has been looking at the geography in relation to the twelve tribes of Israel. The area of the Sea of Galilee belonged to Napthali on the west and Manasseh on the East. Most of the drive south, along the Jordan River will be the land of Manasseh.
We take a side drive, west, to see the springs where Gideon chose his men for a great battle. A beautiful park, with pool and picnic area surrounds the site. Clear spring water flows from the side of the mountain in a narrow trickle. Many of us get down on our knees to "lap" water with our hands. A great teaching from the Pastor.
On to the ruins of the Roman city of Beit Shan dating back to the 16th century BC. A Roman street, theatre and other structures have been unearthed. One of the ten cities of the Decapolis. Destroyed by a major earthquake in 749 AD. Relevant in Scripture as the city on which the bodies of King Saul was hung after being killed. The people of Jabash Gilead (across the Jordan River to the west) rescued the body and showed respect for the king. (I visited the ruins of Jabash Gilead on a trip several years ago.)
At Beit Shan I did something I have never done. Instead of the walk-around tour with our guide, several of us made the walk up the tel/ancient mound located in the rear section of the site. This is the "Fortress Mound" that has not been fully excavated. Like a little hill, this 'tel' or mound looms majestically behind Biet Shan. Few tourists make the steep climb up the mound because of time restraints, and difficulty - but I wanted to walk the tel this trip. The view was worth the short hike in the heat. Beneath our feet are buried ancient artifacts - perhaps part of the ancient city - it just has not been excavated yet.
We drive south along the Jordan River to the Dead Sea. Passed through a security check point - going into the West Bank area. Saw Jericho, a large heard of camels, date palm orchards, small modern villages, and large farms in the distance. Moab, or modern-day Jordan to the west on the other side of the Jordan River.
A visit to Quamran to view, from a distance, the cave where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We are in the land area of the tribe of Judah. Lunch and shopping at this site. It is hot. We have dropped down from the green hills of northern Israel into the dry, lowest place on the earth. The area of the Dead Sea is part of the slash across the planet known as the African Rift. The Dead Sea is the lowest location on the planet - 1200 feet below sea level.
Dry and brown. Nothing grows in this area - thus called "dead". The "sea" is formed by water that flows from the north, through the Jordan River to this "dead sea." Becaue there is no outlet, the water pools and stagnates. The water evaporages and leaves riches of minerals such as potash that is mined- but nothing lives in the salty water. No fish. No plants. No organisms. No ruins of Sodom and Gomorrah - but just looking around at the lifeless landscape is proof of what took place with Lot and his family.
We check into the hotel and head for the water. It is always fun to swim in the Dead Sea...if only briefly. Because of the salty ph of the water, swimmers 'bob' around. People come from all over the world for the medicinal properties of the salty water on the skin.
We spend the night at another first-class hotel. The accomodations are beautiful and the food is wonderful - and never ending.
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