Today we started off by entering the "City of David" and walked through Hezekiah's Tunnel which if over 2500 years old. It was built to secure the water supply of Jerusalem during the Assyrian siege. We were told to consider if we should go through the water tunnel. The water can be waist high on someone not very tall, it's usually mid calf or so, but each year it's a little different. Also, if you had back or neck problems, it was encouraged to think very carefully. You have to walk stooped through the tunnel and can aggravate issues if you have problems.
Mom was the adventurous one and went with the group through the "wet tunnel" There was also a dry passageway that myself and about 8 others in our group did instead. I feared some claustrophobia, but it was actually very cool, And since I was still hurting from my fall, added with a bad back and neck, it was the better option for me.
It was so fun that I forgot to take more pictures!
Scripture reference: John 9
Thoughts were this: Oftentimes, the big lesson taken out of this story is that Jesus healed on the Sabbath and thus leading towards to his arrest, trial and crucifixion. But the discussion turned to using this event as an analogy for our own lives. how many times do I let conflict or worldly things cause me blindness? Only the Savior can make us truly see, so I need to make sure that I
am hitched to His wagon at all times so that I don't become blind to the most important things in life. I will be able to see others for who they really are and love them the way the Savior loves them. It was a beautiful discussion.From there,we took the bus to Bet-Shemish. Where we talked about Samson and Delilah.
Scripture reference : Judges 16
Michael is pointing towards the west where the Gaza strip is, those hill's over there is where Samson was raised. The valley in the middle is where he met Delilah
This is view over towards were the Philistine's were.
Thoughts: What a story of unfulfilled potential. Samson was a Nazarite missionary. Their struggle was being in between two culture's. The Judean's and the Philistine's. As a show of commitment to God, the Nazarite missionaries would not cut their hair. It was their oath with God, and with that they had great strength. In Samson's case, he was likely destined for great things however, his distraction with a woman, caused his ultimate demise. He was probably a very righteous man, taught others the gospel of the Lord but in a moment he lost sight of his covenants. I think the likening to us is pretty apparent. I'm sure he didn't even see it coming. Are there times when we put our eternal life at risk because we don't keep our covenants with God? What ever covenant(s) you have entered into, if you don't respect and honor those, you will lose your strength to withstand temptations.
It was pointed out that somewhere along here, the Ark of the Covenant had been kept after the Philistines sent it to Israel. After which David brought it to Jerusalem. Pretty interesting stuff we discussed.
Back on the bus and traveling. Our itinerary had us going to Bet-Lehi, a former town just outside of Jerusalem, and is now an archaeological site. However, on this day, the Israeli military was doing some exercises with their weapons so we werent' granted access. However, the locals in this area tell a story that there was once an ancient prophet who lived here before Christ's time and would preach and prophesy to the people. He tried to warn them that Jerusalem was going to be destroyed. And then one day, he and his family vanished. And no one knew were they went to. As a Mormon, I found this particularly interesting because the Book of Mormon is ancient scripture that starts with a prophet named Lehi that tried to warn the people of Jerusalem that it was going to be destroyed and the people taken captive into Babylon. In 2 Kings chapter 25 we see that it is exactly what happened. The Book of Mormon starts at about 600 BC and the reign of Zedekiah and from there it follows this family as they travel to escape Jerusalem, wander the wilderness, come to a sea, build a boat and travel to what is believed to be the South American continent. The rest of the book is relating what happened to the people, Christ coming to visit these people, and blessing them, their migration north into what is now the United States and then their ultimate demise based on not following the word of God, and forgetting their covenants. It's a remarkable read and witness of the divinity of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and is not used to replace the bible. but to add to the word. Remember the 12 tribes of Israel? This man, Lehi, is believed to be of the tribe of Manasseh. It's all very fascinating when you put the two books of scripture together and look at the big picture.
Instead of Bet-Lehi, we went to another archaeological site called Ma Ray Shah. It was where Micah dwelt
Looking out the window of the bus on the way to Ma Ray Shah
There is such a variety in things that grow amid all the rocks and caves
They raised pigeons for sacrifice
These looked like grave stones, but they were just old city markers
This wine press was over 2,000 years old
There was an entire house that had been excavated. Looking at it here, it doesn't seem much, but underneath was a whole different story
A long stairwell down into a cistern that they used to gather their water
It was crazy, I bet it took me over 20 minutes to explore the whole underground system it had. Makes sense to live underground, it's cooler and its great hiding from enemies
Scripture reference 1st Samuel chapter 17
We said goodbye to Joseph there as he was done with his part of the tour. It was especially sweet singing "God be with you 'til we meet again." as we slowly walked back to the bus.
Here in this field is where David fought Goliath
The hills in the background are where the Israelites were gathered for battle
Imagine little David up there suggesting that he could only fight but win Goliath. Him coming down off the mountain and gathering his stones
On the other side of the field (behind me)
is where the Philistines were gathered
The obvious lesson in this story is that by small and simple things the Lord's will can be accomplished, and that we all have our Goliath's in our lives that we have to fight. I love this story for this reminder. However, if you look in verses 34-37, we learn another lesson. David had fought before. I fought against a bear and a lion prevailed and those experiences prepared him to be able to fight Goliath. Throughout our lives, we will have lions and bears (struggles/trials) that we fight frequently, but it's all for our own good. They are preparing us for the Goliath's that we will face further on. I love that angle of it. As tough times comes, I just need to remind myself it's just a bear, or it's just a lion. If I can do this, I'll be ready for the REALLY big stuff.
Another point that Michael brought out to us what the people on the hill. They watched as David had the courage to do what he did, and the minute he was victorious, they came running of the mountain and engaged in battle with the Philistines. As with any good cause, we should be ready to run off the mountain and join in the cause. How often do I sit silent and let someone else fight the battles again evil?
I grabbed a little reminder for myself of the lesson's taught here.
This rock is about the size and shape that David would have used.
We said goodbye to Joseph, loaded our buses and went back to the hotel for our last night in Jerusalem.
1 comment:
Such an amazing trip. YOu have captured it so well. I feel like I was there.
It really brings the scriptures to life.
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