Israel Study Tour with Calvary Chapel Mission Viejo

November 5-16, 2018

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Day 7 on the Ground.....

As we sit and think through the events of the day, we are struck by a sense of exhilarating exhaustion. And oxymoron? Perhaps. This day was PACKED with so many pieces of fascinating history that the mind feels as though it is mush! But let’s take a glimpse into what brings us to this place.

Our guide, Yehuda, got us up and out at the break of dawn - breakfast and on the bus by 6:45 a.m. He wanted to be sure we were at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem early to avoid crowds and to get the most out of our day. Having arrived in Jerusalem last night, this morning was quite a sight to behold. The ancient city is, indeed, beautiful despite it’s long and entangled history of wars, famines and rulers, and the Temple Mount brought this all together in living color. As we entered this place considered to be most holy by those of both the Jewish and Muslim faith, it was amazing to think that so many religious icons which are so diametrically opposed to one another can maintain a place that, for the most part, is left in peace. Among the tourists and the Israeli soldiers keeping guard, we saw both Muslims and Jews going about their day on the Temple Mount as though there was nothing between them. There were, of course, certain distances and boundaries kept, but without the traditional attire worn by the two groups you would not have been able to distinguish them from each other.

The Dome of the Rock which sits upon Mount Moriah is a most important location for both Jews and Muslims. This structure adorns the Temple Mount covered with a dome of gold and surrounded by mosaic tile. Within this dome, which is off limits to all who are not Muslim, is what is believed to be the rock upon which Abraham laid his only son, Issac, for sacrifice as directed by Almighty God. Of course God ultimately did not permit him to follow through with the sacrifice as He provided a ram as a substitution, but this event marks a significant event in Jewish (and Christian) history. This rock, however, has a completely different meaning to those of the Muslim faith as they believe that this rock was the place whereby their prophet, Muhammed, began his night journey to heaven. This location has been the center of much controversy for centuries.

As we left the Temple Mount we journeyed to the Pools of Bethesda where we heard the passage from John 5 in which a man who had been an invalid for some 38 years was healed by Jesus. To stand in this place was nothing less than awe-inspiring as Jesus demonstrated both His power over illness and His compassion for this man. Looking at the ancient steps as they descended into what once were pools of water, one could almost visualize this event and feel such a sense of wonder. What must that healed man thought? And what of those witnessing this miracle?

Pool of Bethesda

The name of the pool is said to be derived from the Hebrew language and/or Aramaic language. Beth hesda (בית חסד/חסדא), meaning either house of mercy[3] or house of grace. In both Hebrew and Aramaic the word could also mean "shame, disgrace". This dual meaning may have been thought appropriate, since the location was seen as a place of disgrace due to the presence of invalids, and as a place of grace due to the granting of healing

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Our group of 53 then made its way across the courtyard into Saint Anne’s church known for it’s amazing acoustics. Making our way to the front we took our place as if we were a full and accomplished choir. We were then led by our own worship leader, Brooke, in singing “I Love You Lord” and “Amazing Grace”. As we finished we left the church with the resounding echo of those beautiful choruses ringing in our ears.

Among other locations visited today were the Lion’s Gate on the outer wall of the old city. We learned that this is also know as Stephen’s Gate as it is believed that this may be a nearby location where Stephen, the first martyr for Christ, met his end. Traveling then to the Herodian we learned that this was a fortress/palace built by King Herod which overlooks much of the area including Jerusalem and Bethlehem. We were challenged as we climbed this site only to find ourselves then climbing down deep underground to see the ancient cistern.

Bethlehem was our next point of interest which was just that. Now under Palestinian authority, we learned that this once very iconic location known most for the the birthplace of Christ is now only approx 12% Christian. We were blessed, however, to visit a souvenir shop owned by Palestinian Christians to support that small population.

Rounding out this incredible day was a stop at the Israel Museum where we had the opportunity to visit the location of several of the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as an incredible model of the 2nd temple and surrounding area of Jerusalem. This was followed by a final trek back to the old city where we were given the opportunity to spend some time at the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall) located at the western potion of the ancient Jewish temple. We then made our way through the amazing rabbinic tunnels leading us deep underground. The engineering of those who hewed this tunnel out of bedrock was certainly an incomparable experience.

Knowing that the fullness of today with all the challenges of our physical, intellectual, and spiritual selves is only to be replicated tomorrow, we find we must close this entry and get to bed!

Good night from Jerusalem,
Pastor Rob and Karen


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