Trip of a Life TIme - More Israel - Chapter 16

Day 15

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!

At the end of the tunnels, we met at the Pool of Siloam
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

We then went to the Valley of HaEla,  The site where David slew Goliath
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.

Trip of a Lifetime - Chapter 15; part C - The ultimate experience in Jerusalem

Day 14 continued.... in the afternoon we went to the Old City and the church of St Ann Where the pools of Bethseda are located
Scripture reference: John 5:1-9

(an A site)

I loved this place for the instruction by the Holy Spirit that I personally received.  The man had been ill for 38 years.  THIRTY EIGHT YEARS he had sat there trying to get in, or hoping someone would help him and he was ignored or pushed aside.  The thought came to me, who are those in my life that need help into the pool of health, healing and happiness that I am not seeing, ignoring or pushing aside (even if it is unintentional)?  I think I miss opportunities every single day where I have the chance to serve someone and I either don't recognize it, or I am so busy with my own life, that I don't take the time to look outward.  I received a testimony that if we focus our lives outward, the Lord will bless us inward.

We then traveled on to Golgotha where we discussed the Savior on the cross, and His last moments.

This is it.  Golgotha. Looking at this picture, I can't see the skull to how you, but it's there.  Not at all how I pictured.  When archaeologists began digging around at the base of the hill and discovered what appeared to be a rock quarry.  That was part of their evidence that this is the exact spot.  It is where the Jews would stone their criminals (all the rocks) and the Romans would crucify theirs.  It basically in a very public place, because the punishment was meted out so everyone could see.  From this, we were told that Jesus was likely hanging slightly above eye level.  That is much different than I imagined based on movies that portray it.  I really loved getting some facts.

It was so humbling to be there and I was surprised that the image I had in my mind was completely different than the real thing.  This was an A site.  Over time, the shape of the skull has slightly changed and not quite easily identifiable but this is a verified A site.  We sat with our thoughts for a few minutes and then walked over to a beautiful garden area with places to sit and discuss he events of that night.
Scripture references:  John 19: 17-30

It was very sacred, quiet and reverent in the gardens.  One of the things that we focused on was the Savior's love for His mother.  One of His last acts was to make sure she was taken care of.  Another point was made that there were three key people there at His feet to witness this event.   I have such an increase of  love for those three: Mary His mother, John, His best friend and Mary Magdalene who was one of His most devoted followers.  Seeing where Golgotha was and where they would have been standing was truly humbling and I could feel on a small scale the pain that they might have felt in knowing there is nothing they can do to ease His pain or stop the crucifixion.  I reflected on one of my favorite hymns we sing in my church while preparing to take the Sacrament and renew our baptismal covenants of being a disciple of Jesus Christ, take His name upon us and recommit to following Him always.  It's found on page 185, in the Latter Day Saint hymnal

1.  Rev'rently and meekly now,
   Let thy head most humbly bow.
   Think of me, thou ransomed one;
   Think what I for thee have done.
   With my blood that dripped like rain,
   Sweat in agony of pain,
   With my body on the tree
   I have ransomed even thee.
2. 2. In this bread now blest for thee,
   Emblem of my body see;
   In this water or this wine,
   Emblem of my blood divine.
   Oh, remember what was done
   That the sinner might be won.
   On the cross of Calvary
   I have suffered death for thee.
3. 3. Bid thine heart all strife to cease;
   With thy brethren be at peace.
   Oh, forgive as thou wouldst be
   E'en forgiven now by me.
   In the solemn faith of prayer
   Cast upon me all thy care,
   And my Spirit's grace shall be
   Like a fountain unto thee.
4. 4. At the throne I intercede;
   For thee ever do I plead.
   I have loved thee as thy friend,
   With a love that cannot end.
   Be obedient, I implore,
   Prayerful, watchful evermore,
   And be constant unto me,
   That thy Savior I may be.
5. 
   
6. 
   
7. 
   

Text: Joseph L. Townsend, 1849-1942

Music: Ebenezer Beesley, 1840-19061.

The words are the Savior talking to us in first person and I have several phrases memorized for just the times I need them.

From there we went in small groups to the Garden Tomb.  While waiting for our turn, mom and I wandered the gardens.  I found my way back to Golgotha to view it once again and feel the sacredness of the spot.
Scripture reference:  John 20

It was finally our turn to join the line and enter the Garden Tomb which is, for sure, an A site.  This was the actual tomb, that our Lord was resurrected.  I had been waiting all trip for this!

While waiting we were shown this wine press, which clarifies that the man who owned the garden when Jesus was laid in the tomb, was operating a winery.  There seems to be some speculation around it in the Christian world.

Finally our turn!

I didn't know what to expect inside

A gate separates one from the actual stones, but the large rectangle on the left of the photo is where the Savior's body laid.

Looking over the gate - right there on the left was the spot

Some Christians who come here, leave prayers which is those little folded papers you see right behind the bars

As you walk out, you can't miss this

There are no words I can use to describe the feelings I had and the Spirit I felt. Simply no words.  The best I can come up with is that it was witnessed to me that Jesus Christ is indeed our Savior.  That He fulfilled His mission on the earth by providing the new higher law of loving one another and being the perfect example of how to follow that law.  Within that tomb, I felt His love for me as an individual His assurance that me trying to do my best is enough.  We both know of things I need to work on, but at that moment in time, I was enough for Him.  Again, another place where the overwhelming feeling of the Lord's love for me was almost tangible.  Since I've been home, I pull out that memory at least once a day to quiet the negative thoughts I have for myself.  I am okay.  I'm enough.  I just keep trying, but the Lord loves me and I am enough.

As I have been learning about the Muslim and Jewish religions and getting historical background, I have been thinking a lot about my own chosen denomination,  When I forget cultural habits and traditions of all of them, and look at the great big picture, it all makes so much sense to me. It makes sense why the LDS church exists and what it's purpose is and how everything fits together.

An interesting thought that Michael expressed that has stuck with me and has become a motivating force for me (I'm paraphrasing him here):

What if I get to the other side, the pearly gates if you will, and the Lord says, you know Mike, you mormon's got the doctrine right, you got all the pieces, but you were self righteous, exclusive, you judges others harshly, you weren't kind enough to others, you held grudges, and basically a crappy human being to those around you.  I don't care that you have all the right covenants in place, I'm gonna need you to step aside while we sort some things out.

The bottom line is this;  Be a good person!  Be an example of a how Jesus would act.  Serve others.  No need to shove your doctrine down anyone's throat, but LIVE the gospel so it might inspire other's to ask questions and then you can share your happiness. Do your proselyting with your actions and not necessarily your mouth. Use that to always lift others.

The bus ride back to the hotel that night was quiet.  I think we all wanted to be in our heads and fell our own feelings and reflect on our own personal revelation each received today.  No doubt, I walked into that tomb a different person than when I walked out.  It only took a few minutes, but that's how God teaches you.  In your heart.

Looking forward to more Jerusalem in the next post!

***  If you have questions about Mormon's or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Feel free to reach out to me.  I'm happy to help.

xoxo

m

Trip of a Life Time - Jerusalem - Chapter 14; part B

Day 14 continued.

After leaving the Garden of Gethsemane, we headed to Mt Zion which is the traditional site of the Upper Room where the Last Supper was shared with His devoted apostles.
Scripture reference:  Luke 22: 7-30
John 13-17

This is assumed to the the room for the last supper and where Christian pilgrims come to, however, it's difficult to truly verify.  

The sop at dinner was a gesture of friendship at that time.  The scriptures tell us that Jesus was "troubled in Spirit" by what was about to happen, yet He counsels us to not be troubled.  Again, I think it goes back to the Atonement, He took on the troubles so that we don't have to. In John chapter 17, He offers the great Intercessary Prayer.  He doesn't pray for Himself, but rather His apostles and all believers. What a great example for us and our prayers.  It's important to ask the Lord for things we need and the righteous desire's of our hearts, but more so, it's imperative that we pray for others.  He is teaching us to focus outward rather than inward.  Contemplating His life, His was a life of service to others.  Our greatest example on how to serve and comfort others, especially when we feel troubled.  His washing the feet of His apostles serves as an example that there is no act of service that the very greatest can't do.  I feel like He was showing that no one man is greater than another.  I love that thought, it goes back to the principle of  "don't confuse progress (in our discipleship or righteousness) with approval and position (church callings).  He uses washing of the feet, to teach the principle of loving our neighbors.  His greatest act would be the Atonement itself.  His greatest example of showing love for others.  We will not be called on to do anything like that grand scale act, but we have so many opportunity's to serve others.  Start by just being friendly to strangers, letting someone else go first in a line, etc.  It's easy and simple but especially in our world today, it goes so far.   I love the hymn "As I have loved you"  It's simplicity is certainly a part of the message.


From there, we went to visit St Peter in Gallicantu, the possible site of the cock's crowing and the Palace of Caiaphas where Jesus was tried.
Scripture reference:  Luke 22: 34 & 55-62

This depicts Peter denying Christ to the woman, the roman soldier in the background.

A look over Jersualem.

And I finally thought to record the call to prayer

It dawned on me that the whole piece I did in Chapter 13, we actually did right after this.  If you missed it, you can click here

The rest of the day coming in the next chapter(s) but needless to say, the day continues to be a Spiritual high.