Goodbye Israel

Boker Tov! Family Check? Sababa.

The final day of our journey through Israel began as the others. This day was to be one of the most jam packed as far as itinerary plans. And it proved to be full. And powerful, and challenging, and good.

We began at the Mount of Olives with a spectacular view of the old city of Jerusalem. Pastor Brent taught and reminded us of what the future will hold for this place and particularly the sky above it as Jesus will return one day in the very way he ascended. Oh glorious day!

After a friendly run-in with a local man and his donkey, our group walked down the hill to Jerusalem as Jesus would have on his own steed for the triumphal entry a week before Passover. Knowing that that crowd shouted "Hosanna," a few of us broke into song with our own 21st-century style Hosanna tunes.

Near the bottom of the hill, we entered the Garden of Gethsemane. Pastor Darin encouraged us to think about what it must have been like for Jesus. Being here, and knowing what lay ahead. Encouraging his disciples to "watch and pray"; modeling for them what to do when times would get incredibly tough in the near future. We were able to take a quiet moment (even with the cars and crowds racing by) to pray and reflect near the garden.

We then reached one of the cities gates. The Sheep Gate, or Lions Gate as it is now called, ushered us in to the Pool of Bethesda. Jesus healed a lame man here, but not because of the man's faith. Jesus healed out of generosity this time. Even so, the man, healed as he was, wasn't able to live fully free as he still couldn't see past his shortcomings. I was struck in thinking: how often do I also identify myself by my brokenness, or by flaws, when in truth we are called to define ourselves by the transforming power of Jesus! I'm thinking the latter is the much better option.

A brief but memorable moment involved quickly entering St. Anne's Church and singing "I Love You, Lord" as one choir together. The acoustics were wonderful, sounds ringing for days, and we also had a brilliant director. Bruce Eldridge. Have you heard of him?

After this, we began the long walk along the Via Dolorosa towards Golgotha. Walking these streets, imagining the painful steps of our Lord and the crowds pressed in on Him... it hit deep. Reaching the end of the path, we were met with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which was built over the site of Calvary as well as Jesus' tomb. Right here. Where he gave his life yet conquered death... Wow. There was an opportunity to see the grave site, and guess what? It was empty! Hallelujah! :) Darin pointed out how awesome that the real power of God is not in these things we may see at holy sites, but in the resurrected work of Jesus Christ which we carry alive in us.

After a quick shopping moment and a lunch of Jerusalem bagels, we loaded the bus and travelled through the city to Yad Veshem, Israel's Holocaust Museum. This was one of the hardest parts of the trip, at least for me, as we were reminded of the atrocities committed against the Jewish people. There was even a memorial set aside for the 1.5 million children killed during this time. Names and ages were read. Little lives gone. It was real and hard.

Ronen, our tour guide, (and by this point in the trip, our friend,) explained the importance of sharing with others the truth of what we've learned about the people of Israel and also of this horrible happening. That we wouldn't forget. In the midst of the pain, we were reminded of the ones who sacrificed to help save as many Jews as possible during the Holocaust. Definitely something to be thankful for.

Feeling the weight and meaning of the day, we gathered together again one final time for our farewell dinner. To celebrate what we had learned, the friendships made, and the blessings God lavished on this 1BL family as we saw this special land in full color over the past 10 days. And I am so grateful for them. For the unexpected ways he challenged, for the different ways each person here grew, and most of all for His sweet story. The ruins came to life. What a beautiful, beautiful sight.

Well, I did warn you that it was a long day. But it was a good day. And tomorrow I pray will be good too, as we come home with a renewed love for our great God, His Word, His people, and His land.

Sara Juil Popp