THE CHURCHES

We began our day on the top of the Mount of Olives overlooking the spectacular view of the city of Jerusalem. From here we could see the Kidron Valley and it’s intersection with the Hinnom valley. The Dome of the Rock glistened under the morning sun and the tall spires of the churches stood tall above the city walls. On the backside of the Mount of Olives we spied the desolate wilderness where we experienced thirst and heat during our explorations yesterday. Dr. Laney is teaching us about the geography of the land and he wants us to know how close the dry and barren wilderness is to the city of Jerusalem. From the Mount of Olives, both can be clearly seen.

Jesus ascended into heaven just after he spoke to His disciples in Bethany, but scripture prophesies his return will take place on the top of Mount Olivet.

This spot is commemorated by the Church of the Ascension. It is a lovely church that is run by the French and is known for its presentation of the Lord’s Prayer. Within the charming gardens, the prayer is written on tile slabs in every known language. We all searched very hard to find the prayer in our native tongues.

From there we walked along the path that Jesus would have traveled when he walked from the Mount of Olives to the Old City of Jerusalem. We stopped at Dominus Flevit where Jesus wept over the future destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD). The church was constructed in the shape of a tear drop and the views of the old city are most spectacular from here. Many of the places that we visited today were located on the well-beaten path of tourists. Unlike yesterday when we were alone in the wilderness and in the ancient ruins, today we were shoulder to shoulder with people from all the nations. I couldn’t help thinking about Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 2) about the day that will come when all the nations flood into Jerusalem to receive teaching from the Lord and walk in His paths. Indeed Jerusalem draws people from every continent to explore her history and make a connection with the Living God. Despite the crowds and the religious tension here there is a peacefulness among the crowds. I suppose it feels hypocritical to push and shove your way into a Holy Site. 😉

At the bottom of the hill we visited the Garden of Gethsemane. This is the traditional place where Jesus agonized in His Spirit before His arrest and crucifixion. While the trees in the garden are not the original trees, it was interesting to learn of the proximity of the garden to the city and see what an olive grove is like. The twisted wood of the trunks is uniquely artistic.

From here we boarded our bus and took a short journey out to Herodium where Herod build his temple in the first century BC. He was the epitome of an evil genius- with a grand vision for an opulent lifestyle. He had pools large enough to fit small boats complete with islands for sun-tanning. His grand palace was set atop a tall tel with a staircase tunnel inside the mound. He had a spectacular view of his subjects and I can imagine how he lorded his power over them and intimidated people with his insanity. In fact, Herod killed his favorite wife after suspecting her of being unfaithful and he put 2 of his teenage sons to death because of his fear that they would usurp his power. Not to mention his order to slaughter all the children in Bethlehem in an attempt to prevent the reign of the Messiah.

Our last church visit for the day was the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This is the traditional place where Jesus was born and there is a gold star in the basement of the church that marks the spot. It is interesting to see people kissing that place and seeking a sacred connection with the Savior. I imagine that Israel is a very spiritually profound place for people from all over the globe. It is called the “navel” of the earth because of its centrality to the continents of Asia, Egypt and Europe. It is certainly a place where people from all nations come together to learn about the things of God and walk the paths of the Holy Sites.

Tomorrow is our first free day and we are looking forward to some much needed rest. I can’t believe it’s only been the first week. We have already seen so much and put so many miles on our feet. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I am thinking about you each day as I take pictures and think about what I want to share with you Please pray for us on Sunday as it is Jerusalem Day and the city is filling up with various political groups who are championing their causes. The police presence is ramping up and all the merchants on our small street in the Christian Quarter of the city are closing early tonight so as not to attract the attention of any unruly people. Everyone seems to be putting protective measures in place.

Also, check out Bob’s blog http://www.bobnoack.wordpress.com. You will be interested to read the different elements that Bob records from our shared experiences. Now I know how the four gospel writers shared the same experiences but recorded different details. 🙂