Our Final Path

This morning we woke with hutzpah ready for a big day…and a big day it was. Our feet hit the path this morning overlooking the Old City from the top of the Mount of Olives. The amazing view in the cool summer morning began our journey following the steps of Jesus during His final week before giving His life as the perfect payment for all. We learned of the ancient blood path and found ourselves pensive while traversing the steep downhill road. Arriving near the traditional site of the Garden of Gethsemane, we enjoyed the shade of the olive trees and pictured Jesus’ difficult road ahead. Most of us were fully engaged though Joel more resembled Peter nodding off while Jesus prayed.

Following the road further, we entered the Old City through the Lion's Gate. The next site tested our musical ability. Inspired by the journey, and assisted by amazing acoustics, we lifted our voices and honestly sounded better than we ever should’ve. A short walk enabled us to peer into an ancient pool of healing. After searching for healing 38 years, a man met Jesus here and received his sight! It was a beautiful reminder of the power of Christ and His sovereignty. Together we prayed for those in each of our lives needing a healing touch from God.

The busy streets of Jerusalem filled with study groups, local residents, mopeds, cars and segway tours provided endless obstacles and entertainment as we traversed to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This ancient site contains both the traditional places of Jesus’ death and burial. While pomp and circumstance prohibit seeing the site as it was once, the profound effect it induces drove us to utter thankfulness and deep worship.

The church also offered a multi-cultural bathroom experience before we left the old city and found a park to enjoy lunch. Jerusalem bagels with humus, honey and even chocolate dip filled us for the hike ahead. Fueled by carbs and a bird’s eye view, we prayed for peace in the City of The Great King. True peace can only come through Jesus and we must be faithful tell the story to the ones following us. This long quiet walk concluded at the Southern Steps and the remaining outline of the Huldah Gate. God provided shade as we remembered the story of a restored Peter faithfully proclaiming the resurrected Jesus. On that day, places of ceremonial cleansing became baptismal pools as thousands professed Christ. The Church began and because of their faithful witness, we stood on the steps today on their shoulders.

Our final walk was an easy stroll…at least at first. The long downhill journey led us to a place requiring searching. Psalm 51 and James 5:16 would best describe these moments followed by the long road back. After all, what goes down, must again ascend. Breathing hard, we pushed to the Zion Gate where dinner was waiting. The food was wonderful, the company even better, and the icing on the cake was a marriage renewed. Joey proposed to Lauren again to begin new this side of life in Jesus. And yes, Lauren said yes, again. After beautiful heartfelt words on bended knee, Joey simply said, “Hey, take your ring off.” She did and he placed it on her finger again. The group laughed, cheered, and blessed God for transformed lives.

On the bus ride to the hotel, we said goodbye to our guide Ronen and danced one more time following the lead of the rhythmically blessed son of Moses. We have been so blessed with Ronen, Mair (our driver), Sarah (the end of the line and trip medic), and of course our faithful leader. We are forever grateful for the opportunity to walk in the land of the Scripture and learn with our head, heart, hands, and feet. Now, we are almost packed and ready to come home. See you all very soon!