What an awesome day!
Out day began atop the Mt. of Olives and witness the place where it is believed that Jesus ascended to heaven. From there it was a steep downhill walk toward the city walls. But first we stopped and prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. I don't know that I've ever felt a closer presence to the Lord. It was incredible to see.
It was interesting to see the Eastern Gate. This is the gate in the city wall (which has stood for well over 2000 years) where Jesus is expected to enter the city. As many of you know, the gate has been sealed with cement and limestone rock about 10 feet thick. I'm hope that I get to see Jesus open that gate. Oh, wait; we will!!!
We then entered the city through the Zion gate at Mt. Zion and saw the church dedicated to King David. From there, it was to the place that was built about 900 years ago to commemorate the Last Supper. The reason it's only 900 years old is because as different countries and religious groups have occupied the city, they have decimated much of it and only about 20% of the original city around Jesus' time still exists. The Last Supper Room is located within about 50 yards to the east or west of where, the actual Upper Room was located. We had prayer, devotion and the Lord's Supper.
From there we were able to go to the Wailing Wall (or Western Wall) which is the last remaining piece of Herod's Temple which is where Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers. This wall is significant to the Jews. I will explain this as succinctly as possible.
You see, the reason why that particular piece of land, on which now stands the Dome of the Rock mosque, is because of that rock. The mosque (and formerly Herod's temple) covers the stone on which Abraham took Issac to sacrifice him to God in Genesis. Of course, the muslims want it because they believe that it was Ishmael that Abraham sacrificed. That is where the two religions diverge in history.
Well, that Western Wall, when Herod's Temple was built, was closest to the Foundation Rock. So therefore, the Jews pray at the wall as it is the closest place to the rock.
And that is your history lesson for today.
Unfortunately, due to internet restrictions at our hotel, It is going to be very difficult to upload video and pictures until we are back in the states. But I promise that I will keep you up to date by trying to explain the beauty of this place as we experience it. And I will upload all of the video when we are back so that we can all talk about it when we see each other on Sunday.
Everyone is doing well and while this is a wonderful experience, we all miss home and can't wait to see you all again!
God Bless and I will talk to you tomorrow!!
Tony
Out day began atop the Mt. of Olives and witness the place where it is believed that Jesus ascended to heaven. From there it was a steep downhill walk toward the city walls. But first we stopped and prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. I don't know that I've ever felt a closer presence to the Lord. It was incredible to see.
It was interesting to see the Eastern Gate. This is the gate in the city wall (which has stood for well over 2000 years) where Jesus is expected to enter the city. As many of you know, the gate has been sealed with cement and limestone rock about 10 feet thick. I'm hope that I get to see Jesus open that gate. Oh, wait; we will!!!
We then entered the city through the Zion gate at Mt. Zion and saw the church dedicated to King David. From there, it was to the place that was built about 900 years ago to commemorate the Last Supper. The reason it's only 900 years old is because as different countries and religious groups have occupied the city, they have decimated much of it and only about 20% of the original city around Jesus' time still exists. The Last Supper Room is located within about 50 yards to the east or west of where, the actual Upper Room was located. We had prayer, devotion and the Lord's Supper.
From there we were able to go to the Wailing Wall (or Western Wall) which is the last remaining piece of Herod's Temple which is where Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers. This wall is significant to the Jews. I will explain this as succinctly as possible.
You see, the reason why that particular piece of land, on which now stands the Dome of the Rock mosque, is because of that rock. The mosque (and formerly Herod's temple) covers the stone on which Abraham took Issac to sacrifice him to God in Genesis. Of course, the muslims want it because they believe that it was Ishmael that Abraham sacrificed. That is where the two religions diverge in history.
Well, that Western Wall, when Herod's Temple was built, was closest to the Foundation Rock. So therefore, the Jews pray at the wall as it is the closest place to the rock.
And that is your history lesson for today.
Unfortunately, due to internet restrictions at our hotel, It is going to be very difficult to upload video and pictures until we are back in the states. But I promise that I will keep you up to date by trying to explain the beauty of this place as we experience it. And I will upload all of the video when we are back so that we can all talk about it when we see each other on Sunday.
Everyone is doing well and while this is a wonderful experience, we all miss home and can't wait to see you all again!
God Bless and I will talk to you tomorrow!!
Tony
WOW! The Garden of Gethsemane and the Wailing Wall and, and, and ....... Everything sounds wonderful! Can't wait to hear the stories when you all return.
ReplyDeleteI'll try to say this as succinctly as possible. I learned so much by reading this blog today, Like how to properly use the word succinctly in a sentence. Now if I could just know how to pronounce it... HA! ... Just kiddin Tony. Your words about the awesome place you are visiting is mesmeric & fascinating. Can't wait to see the videos.
ReplyDeleteNick