I am going to upload 3 videos. The first is video from the Temple Mount where the Dome of the Rock is located. The Temple Courtyard area is 37 acres.
The second video is from the West Wall also called the Wailing Wall. You will see a Bar Mitzvah processional, a tourist taking pictures and people praying against the wall. This was amazing. Men have unlimited access to this area given that their heads are covered.
The third is a Bar Mitzvah processional that starts a little further out. The singing and dancing is fun to watch and they blow shofars along the way.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Hezekiah and the Dead
It is difficult to not be impressed with Hezekiah’s tunnel. Modern people, me included, tend to think that we have advanced way beyond the ancients in knowledge and skill. Things like this tunnel prove otherwise. When you consider the tools and technology available to them at that time, this feat was amazing. The necessity of the tunnel for defensive purposes demanded a solution. While Hezekiah was a Godly king, he still saw the need to sure up this weakness. This monumental task was so important that the difficulty did not stop the workers. When the need is great so is the solution many times.
Also, the presence of the cemeteries is hard to ignore. In the US cemeteries are often put to the side, but here the memorials to the dead are a constant presence no matter where you go. I have never paid much attention to the burial practices of societies, but Jerusalem forces you to consider this. What does it say about a society that it memorializes its dead in this way? (And not just the kings and queens) Consider that in Egypt there is little doubt as the occupant of a tomb, but in Israel there is almost no certainty, even for the greatest leaders in the county’s history. Interesting.
DC
Some Pictures from Day One
This is the Kidron Valley, south of Jerusalem and separates the Mt of Olives from the Temple Mount. This valley provided quite a defensible position for Jerusalem as it is a deep drop.
This is a picture of pomegranate. I saw this is and could not help but think of the Song of Solomon. Make your own comparisons.
This is a picture of the Mount of Olives. All around the base is a large cemetery, then along the bottom is tombs. From the top of this mount on a clear day you can see the Dead Sea in the East. It over looks the Temple Mount.
This is Hezekiah's tunnel. This was a narrow part. I had to turn to walk through. There were other parts where I had to stoop to chest level. The water was as high as thigh level, but was mostly around calf level. This tunnel saved the Israelites from Sennacherib as it provided a water source inside the city walls.
DC
Some Quick Video
This is the video post. Just two videos. The first is the Tower of David - which was actually built by Herod, then restored and added onto later. This is from outside the Old City Wall and also shows a lot of the wall.
The second video is a main entry point into the Old City and my hotel is less than 50 yards from this gate. It is the Jaffa Gate as well as part of the wall. They ended up knocking down part of the wall to add an entry for larger vehicles to get through. This happened during the time of Turkish domination of the area. Just inside the gateway you see there was someone selling fresh cherries, then two steps further there was another person selling fresh bread. FYI - the food at our hotel has been great. I have enjoyed every meal so far.
DC
The second video is a main entry point into the Old City and my hotel is less than 50 yards from this gate. It is the Jaffa Gate as well as part of the wall. They ended up knocking down part of the wall to add an entry for larger vehicles to get through. This happened during the time of Turkish domination of the area. Just inside the gateway you see there was someone selling fresh cherries, then two steps further there was another person selling fresh bread. FYI - the food at our hotel has been great. I have enjoyed every meal so far.
DC
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Arrival
Sorry there are no pictures or video yet. Landing at Ben Gurion Airport is like any other landing. However, the anticipation of seeing the land that you have read about since you were a child adds extra emotion to the moment. No tears, just intense curiosity. I was surprisingly short on words. What could have been so special about this land? There is great land all over the world. Why here?
Tel Aviv is on a coastal plain as it is on the Mediterranean Sea. This area is flat and coastal - just what you would expect. However what came next surprised me a bit. We began our journey up to Jerusalem, by cab on a well made highway. The traffic reminded me of a mix of Parisian impatience and snow boarder anticipation of white powder. This drive was quite an ascent - even for someone who lived in Colorado. In fact, I was struck by how much this land - this land in high demand - reminded of the Colorado foothills and vegetation. The land is dry, but can sustain the right kinds of crops. And into the Shephelah there are a surprising number of trees and vegetation.
The final approach to Jerusalem was nothing short of awe inspiring. The ascent to “this city on a hill” is impressive. Once in the city the modern and the ancient blend as city restrictions force this sort of integration. We arrived on a festival night in Jerusalem and to “hike” the last half mile to our hotel through the crowds.
We arrived finally to great hospitality and a wonderful dinner of roasted lamb, rice, hummus, and pitas. I am glad I am not a vegetarian. Sleep came easy as I had a long day. However, I rose long before I expected. As I write this I have hopeful anticipation to begin understanding this city today. Also, I will get to hike through Hezekiah’s aqueduct today. This engineering feat saved Jerusalem from a deadly siege in the days of Hezekiah.
DC
Tel Aviv is on a coastal plain as it is on the Mediterranean Sea. This area is flat and coastal - just what you would expect. However what came next surprised me a bit. We began our journey up to Jerusalem, by cab on a well made highway. The traffic reminded me of a mix of Parisian impatience and snow boarder anticipation of white powder. This drive was quite an ascent - even for someone who lived in Colorado. In fact, I was struck by how much this land - this land in high demand - reminded of the Colorado foothills and vegetation. The land is dry, but can sustain the right kinds of crops. And into the Shephelah there are a surprising number of trees and vegetation.
The final approach to Jerusalem was nothing short of awe inspiring. The ascent to “this city on a hill” is impressive. Once in the city the modern and the ancient blend as city restrictions force this sort of integration. We arrived on a festival night in Jerusalem and to “hike” the last half mile to our hotel through the crowds.
We arrived finally to great hospitality and a wonderful dinner of roasted lamb, rice, hummus, and pitas. I am glad I am not a vegetarian. Sleep came easy as I had a long day. However, I rose long before I expected. As I write this I have hopeful anticipation to begin understanding this city today. Also, I will get to hike through Hezekiah’s aqueduct today. This engineering feat saved Jerusalem from a deadly siege in the days of Hezekiah.
DC
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Preparing for an Adventure
Hello Anyone who cares. In just 4 days I leave for a trip of a life time. I am going to Jerusalem for a 3 week class on the the geography of the Bible. It is bitter sweet for me as I am leaving my wife and sons behind, but I am getting to share this experience with my father. I will be updating my blog often with pictures and video. I hope you find this useful and interesting.
Sorry I have not updated this website in a while as I had an extremely draining semester. Septuagint Greek nearly ended me. I am glad that is over and I can now look towards this trip.
I will be staying at the Gloria Hotel for 3 weeks. It is by the Jaffa Gate just inside the Old City. The school I will be attending is called the Jerusalem University College (JUC) and overlooks the Valley of Gehenna. Below is a picture from one of the hotel rooms.
I had to complete a series of maps in preparation for this trip that tracked many of the events of the Old Testament. This exercise helped to unlock many of the OT stores.
As part of my class, I have to write reflections on my daily experiences. I will post these straight to this website. Please be praying for my family while I am away and for my safety.
Be Blessed - DC
Sorry I have not updated this website in a while as I had an extremely draining semester. Septuagint Greek nearly ended me. I am glad that is over and I can now look towards this trip.
I will be staying at the Gloria Hotel for 3 weeks. It is by the Jaffa Gate just inside the Old City. The school I will be attending is called the Jerusalem University College (JUC) and overlooks the Valley of Gehenna. Below is a picture from one of the hotel rooms.
I had to complete a series of maps in preparation for this trip that tracked many of the events of the Old Testament. This exercise helped to unlock many of the OT stores.
As part of my class, I have to write reflections on my daily experiences. I will post these straight to this website. Please be praying for my family while I am away and for my safety.
Be Blessed - DC
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Some Thoughts on Forgiveness
Forgiveness is always an interesting topic. For Christians this concept is critical. We are told to forgive others, or our Heavenly Father will not forgive us. (Matt 5:7) This really bothers me because I love to hold on to the right of the offense. This may be one of the most difficult commands that we are given. It was so difficult for our Father to forgive us that this could not be done without the sacrifice of his Son. Forgiveness for God involves the ultimate in self sacrifices.
I few months ago, I saw the movie Invictus. This is a powerful movie and one worth watching. At the center of this movie is the idea of forgiveness. Invictus is about the change of power in South Africa from apartheid to democracy. This was not a gentle shift initially. The new President of South Africa was Nelson Mandela a former prisoner of the apartheid power brokers. Would this be his chance to exact revenge on his former captures? Most everyone thought that this would be the moment of vengeance. Mandela, however, turned out to be the right man for the time. His policy was one of forgiveness.
His ultimate goal for South Africa was one of unity that included his former capturers. He knew that this could only happen through forgiveness. He was never offered a formal apology for the travesty of his imprisonment. He simply had to forgive because he desired more than justice, he desired peace and unity. Because of his sacrifice of grace, South Africa is a free and peaceful country. Other nations around the world should take note of the power of forgiveness. There was nothing overtly Christian about this movie, in fact it seemed to promote secular humanism. This is proof that the message of forgiveness transcends the Christian context. Even secular humanists get it right sometimes.
It seems unfair that the offended party has to forgive, even though the offending party may be unrepentant. The offended have the rights to demand justice and punishment, but for there to be peace and reconciliation, forgiveness must be complete. When some are confronted with overwhelming power of undeserved forgiveness, they must respond.
The command for Christians to forgive is serious business. Forgiveness is for those that do the offending, but it is also for the ones that are offended. Only when true forgiveness is extended does the offense lose its power over us. In fact out of our anger and pain, we must forgive. This is the only way to let loose of anger, pain, and humiliation. I am only humiliated when an unworthy power has dominion over me. Forgiveness looses the indignation. Forgiveness frees the emotionally captive. Forgiveness brings peace. Forgiveness brings joy. You are most free, when you are forgiven and forgiving.
It is always stunning to me when people get angered by forgiveness. Many today find ways to legitimize their sin in an effort to assuage their guilt, when true forgiveness and peace are only a step away. Why do we take the hard road, when God gently calls to come near? Romans 5:6-10 reminds us that God’s sacrificial act was not predicated on our humble posture. It was accomplished while we were sinners and enemies of God.
He cared so much for us that he accomplished forgiveness in the midst of our offenses. What if we would truly grab a hold of the true forgiveness that is found in Christ? We would walk in confidence of our God. Forgiving others would be natural. I maintain that we sometimes hold grudges because we do not understand or feel the full weight of the forgiveness of God. Only when we fully embrace and walk with God, can we fully forgive and walk with others. I am amazed at Nelson Mandela. He laid down his rights for the good of South Africa - and he was successful. This sacrifice was only a weak shell compared to what Jesus did for each and every one of us.
We should grab hold of freedom. We should grab hold of peace. We should grab hold of unity. We should grab hold of love. All this, by grabbing hold of forgiveness.
Lord please forgive us and help us to forgive others.
I few months ago, I saw the movie Invictus. This is a powerful movie and one worth watching. At the center of this movie is the idea of forgiveness. Invictus is about the change of power in South Africa from apartheid to democracy. This was not a gentle shift initially. The new President of South Africa was Nelson Mandela a former prisoner of the apartheid power brokers. Would this be his chance to exact revenge on his former captures? Most everyone thought that this would be the moment of vengeance. Mandela, however, turned out to be the right man for the time. His policy was one of forgiveness.
His ultimate goal for South Africa was one of unity that included his former capturers. He knew that this could only happen through forgiveness. He was never offered a formal apology for the travesty of his imprisonment. He simply had to forgive because he desired more than justice, he desired peace and unity. Because of his sacrifice of grace, South Africa is a free and peaceful country. Other nations around the world should take note of the power of forgiveness. There was nothing overtly Christian about this movie, in fact it seemed to promote secular humanism. This is proof that the message of forgiveness transcends the Christian context. Even secular humanists get it right sometimes.
It seems unfair that the offended party has to forgive, even though the offending party may be unrepentant. The offended have the rights to demand justice and punishment, but for there to be peace and reconciliation, forgiveness must be complete. When some are confronted with overwhelming power of undeserved forgiveness, they must respond.
The command for Christians to forgive is serious business. Forgiveness is for those that do the offending, but it is also for the ones that are offended. Only when true forgiveness is extended does the offense lose its power over us. In fact out of our anger and pain, we must forgive. This is the only way to let loose of anger, pain, and humiliation. I am only humiliated when an unworthy power has dominion over me. Forgiveness looses the indignation. Forgiveness frees the emotionally captive. Forgiveness brings peace. Forgiveness brings joy. You are most free, when you are forgiven and forgiving.
It is always stunning to me when people get angered by forgiveness. Many today find ways to legitimize their sin in an effort to assuage their guilt, when true forgiveness and peace are only a step away. Why do we take the hard road, when God gently calls to come near? Romans 5:6-10 reminds us that God’s sacrificial act was not predicated on our humble posture. It was accomplished while we were sinners and enemies of God.
He cared so much for us that he accomplished forgiveness in the midst of our offenses. What if we would truly grab a hold of the true forgiveness that is found in Christ? We would walk in confidence of our God. Forgiving others would be natural. I maintain that we sometimes hold grudges because we do not understand or feel the full weight of the forgiveness of God. Only when we fully embrace and walk with God, can we fully forgive and walk with others. I am amazed at Nelson Mandela. He laid down his rights for the good of South Africa - and he was successful. This sacrifice was only a weak shell compared to what Jesus did for each and every one of us.
We should grab hold of freedom. We should grab hold of peace. We should grab hold of unity. We should grab hold of love. All this, by grabbing hold of forgiveness.
Lord please forgive us and help us to forgive others.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)