God’s Omnipotence

Early morning at the Temple Mount has a calmness that is coiled with anticipation. As we made our way towards the Dome of the Rock, we passed the Wailing Wall and watched as the Jewish men prepared for the day’s Bar Mitzvas. Once we were at the top the mount it opened to a large plaza where the Dome of the Rock stretched glistening on the South side. The temple is built on Mount Mariah where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice Isaac. On the Temple Mount God’s omnipotence is displayed as it worked through Abraham, Solomon and then Jesus, Himself.

The excitement to visit Hezekiah’s tunnel pulled us down the mount. There are two tunnels that were used to access water in the City of David. The older tunnel is dry and was used by the Canaanites. Hezekiah’s tunnel is filled with water and takes about 20 minutes of walking through tight quarters to get from one end to the other. Some in our group chose the dry, Canaanite tunnel where they saw a wall from the time of Nehemiah. A large majority of us braved the long, narrow waterway of Hezekiah. Moments of anxiety inspired sporadic singing through the constricted tunnel and relief was audible as the tunnel opened and daylight welcomed us to the Pool of Siloam.

As we sat down on the steps of The Pool of Siloam (Siloam means sent) to dry off our feet we visualized John 9. A very clear picture took shape in our minds of how far the blind man had to walk to wash his eyes. God’s omnipotence was on display once again as Jesus said in John 9:3, “…It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” The blind man washed his eyes in the Pool of Siloam, where we were sitting, and then immediately went into the temple now that he was healed.

And so, we ourselves, went up the Southern Steps to the temple, the same steps Jesus walked with His disciples. As we stood scanning the surroundings, Matthew 21: 12-13 came into our thoughts. We also took time to reflect on the early church through Peter in Acts 2 and the qualities that made it endure. They were a community unified in their faith who worshiped together, broke bread together, took care of those in need and had a great reputation.

We soon left the City of David to break bread together ourselves. After a quick lunch we hiked up to the Herodium. Herod the Great was an innovative builder. Each of his palaces had the most elaborate living quarters, such as bathhouses and swimming pools. In the splendor of the Herodium you can look out and see Bethlehem in the distance. The juxtaposition is perfect as we considered Herod’s greatness to the lowliness of Christ’s birth just over the hill. Herod worked tirelessly to leave his stamp on this world, but again we were reminded that the omnipotence of God surpasses earthly ranks.

As it began to rain we found good reason to set out for Bethlehem, which is now in full Palestinian control. Bethlehem is endearing. Although the city is built up quite a bit, it personifies the spirit of the little engine that could compared to Jerusalem. The church of the Nativity, where Jesus is said to have been born, is shared by three denominations, Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian. Bethlehem tradition passed through the generations states that there was a cave with a sort of inn on top where Jesus was born. Each generation knew the place of this cave until the Church of the Nativity was built directly on top.

After touring the cave and the church we had the opportunity to go shopping in Bethlehem. We met a wonderful Christian family who owned the shop and they shared their love of Christ and Bethlehem. It was a beautiful way to bring our day to a close, with our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Christ. God’s omnipotence was on display once again.