"Your Paths in the Word"
Enjoy these Bible thoughts - based on our touring days.Walk with us today in these brief studies. Mark the passages in your "tour Bible" as you do...
Enjoy these Bible thoughts - based on our touring days.Walk with us today in these brief studies. Mark the passages in your "tour Bible" as you do...
Each of these devotionals will take you to a site that we'll visit
in Israel. Enjoy these tasty, "one-a-day morsels" beforehand.
Open your "tour Bible." With a pen and highlighter, I suggest
that as you read, make notes in the Bible you'll bring with you.
"Day 3"
After a good night's rest beside the Mediterranean, our first full
day of touring takes us to Caesarea-by-the-Sea. We will see the
beautiful theater and the impressive amphitheater. Everyone
will learn the difference between these two similar, but different
words. Speaking of words, and of amphitheaters, the inspired
writer in Hebrews 12:1 writes these words of encouragement...
"Let us run the race that is before us and never give up!"
The word "race" is the Greek "agon" from which we get "agony" and "agonize." Marathoners, 10k runners and tri-athletes understand that! Max Lucado says "The Christian’s race is not a jog but rather a demanding and grueling, sometimes agonizing race. It takes a massive effort to finish strong. Likely you’ve noticed that many runners don’t. Surely you’ve observed there are dropouts alongside the trail. They used to be running. At one time they kept the pace. But then weariness just sets in. They just didn’t think the run would be this tough…."
Jesus' final word on the cross, "tetelestai," is often translated "it is finished." More than just a sigh of relief, it is a triumphant victory shout - His personal testimony. We know that a fuller translation would be "paid in full!" Quite different from when I've run in a few 10k races, Jesus' strongest step was His last step - in other words, His best work was his final work! Gethsemane shows us that it would have been so easy for Jesus just to lie down by the path, rather than follow HIS path all the way to "skull hill." He could have dropped out of the race but He didn't!
The Apostle Paul describes his life and ministry in the kind of terms we'd all like to have as an accurate description of ours; "I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is a crown laid up for me, and not for me only, but for all those who have loved His appearing!"
Praise God! Keep the pace my friend, be encouraged today! The race belongs not to the swift, and not just to those who start well, but to those who finish well! And, while you're running, "Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!" With His help, let's all finish well!
"Day 4"
Having flown across the Atlantic (from the 'New World' back to the 'Old'), standing beside the fabled Mediterranean Sea, experiencing our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, and wading into the calm waters of the Jordan River, it's "quite a ride" so far! Throughout the world, since ancient times, bodies of water have determined the location of major cities, created jobs and provided transportation. They drive turbines to illuminate cities, generate power for daily life and business and provide the life-giving water that we need every day! But some bodies of water are special - not just for what we draw from them but for what we remember about them!
As we awake in our hotel beside the Sea of Galilee, we remember that Jesus walked by the sea, and on it as well! (There is even a new "attraction" that some local entrepreneur has built - a platform just below the water surface, so people can experience "walking on water"- for a fee of course.) Don't let that take away from your experiences there! What we are remembering is "the real deal." Remember that Jesus called His earliest disciples by Galilee, and He headquartered most of his ministry there on it's north shore in Capernaum. His Sermon on the Mount was overlooking the water. His warning that anyone harming a little child should have a large millstone hanged around his neck and be cast into the sea, was spoken near the waters edge! His obedience in baptism at the hands of John, in the river Jordan, speaks volumes in terms of example and it affirms John's message of our cleansing and hope in the waters of obedience.
Even the stark Dead Sea carries its own lesson. The same water flowing into the Sea of Galilee, giving it life, flows 75 miles south, down into the Dead Sea in which nothing living dwells!
The outlet from the Sea of Galilee is the lower Jordan River, near Yardenit, a popular place for baptism. But for the Dead Sea, the only outlet is evaporation - no other exit. While the Dead Sea is extremely rich in minerals, it supports no plant or animal life - its "Dead". The spiritual application is clear. Only as we allow ourselves to be life-giving conduits of God's blessing, only as we pass on what we receive from Him, do we fit the analogy of the beautiful, generous, giving Sea of Galilee. But when we hoard, grasp and protect; we fit the fate of the Dead Sea and we merit the same description.
Powerful lessons from the water's edge. Be sure to pack your swimsuit and water shoes for the Dead Sea. And remember that Jesus is the living water for you! Come on in - the water's fine!
"Day 5"
"King of the Mountain" Remember that game? I sure do - pushing my friends back down off the mound of dirt, the pile of snow, the front porch - and being pushed myself. Whoever managed to stay on the "mountain" while everyone else tried to get him off, was "king of the mountain!"
It was one against the world. As a boy, the victory was short-lived, but somehow "important."
When Jesus took his men to northern Galilee, the mountain region of Caesarea Philippi was a shrine to those who worshiped the Greek fertility god, "Pan" (hence the current name of the region, "Panais.") Not only was Pan worshiped in this place, but other gods were too. And in 20 BC, Herod built a marble temple there for the worship of the Emperor, Augustus Caesar. It seems in that culture that any god would do, and there were certainly plenty to choose from.
In our day, pluralism is always applauded, and diversity is almost deified! But pluralism is not new. In this pluralistic shrine of Caesarea Philippi, where "religion" abounded, it was a good place for Jesus to test his men. He asked them simple questions; "Are there many gods or just one?" "Who do people say the son of man is?" "Who do you say that I am?" Notice that the rapid reply of Simon Peter is both clear and exclusive. He makes it clear that there is room for no other. "You are the Christ, THE Son of the Living God." (Matthew 16:16) And it's not just a report of public opinion, not simply adding Jesus to the catalog of 'acceptable' deities. Peter declares, "Jesus, you are the one-and-only. You are the Son of God! There is absolutely no other."
While many even today object that this is simply "too exclusive...there must be other ways...this isn't the only truth...one path is as good as another", Jesus still stakes his claim; "I am the way the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Panais in 'century one' was a time and place that wanted to make all religions equal. In striking contrast, Jesus made claims that are exclusive. By His claims to be "God", Jesus pushes aside all other potential candidates. In our day when all religions are considered "equal", Jesus and His claims remain the same. He is the true "King of the Mountain" and the valleys of your life. Trust Him and He will direct "your paths!" In Him the victory isn't momentary & short-lived, it's forever!
While at Caesarea Philippi, we'll learn several reasons why Jesus might have taken his men to this cool, beautiful garden spot - probably more than once. One clue is that in this area, the north-eastern source of the Jordan bursts through the rocky soil from Mt. Hermon and flows into the upper Jordan valley. Today, Caesarea Philippi still echoes Peter's inspired reply - his good confession of the great and only Savior! In the northern Galilee region we'll see many wonderful things, but this cool, quiet spot is my favorite - it just may become yours too.
"Day 6"
"O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. Beneath thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years, are met in thee tonight!" They aren't as quiet as they once were - these streets of Bethlehem. While the population and commerce has risen and fallen in the village over the last few decades, it has been falling once again in recent years.
Whether the population grows or declines, whether there is much commerce or minimal traffic, the message of Bethlehem remains as precious for us now as it was for believers in the first century - "a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord." Unnamed shepherds hurrying into town "to see this wondrous thing which has come to pass." And we will journey to Bethlehem too. We'll see the same rocky shepherds fields, we may see a shepherd and perhaps a few sheep, We'll visit a possible place where lowly outcasts of society were given the first birth announcement on that spectacular night.
Yes, in January, we'll sing Christmas carols in the little village. We'll remember that "Beit-Lechem" means "house of bread" and the one-and-only Son of God is the living Bread for us! As we enter the ancient "Church of the Nativity" we'll bow in reverence to get through the door. As we stand in line to descend to the cave, revered since the fourth century as the birthplace of Jesus, we'll remember a lonely couple who journeyed far and long to get there, and whose journey was just beginning. The ebb and flow of population for the Roman census, made that night anything but "silent." The cry of a newborn broke the relative stillness of the stable, and as Joseph and Mary held their precious Jesus, they embraced not only their Son, but their Creator and their Savior as well. Indeed, the hopes and fears of all the years came together that night as God came into the world. "The word became flesh and dwelt among us. We beheld His glory, glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth!"
For the rest of our lives, after visiting Bethlehem, our celebration of the Savior's incarnation will be enhanced by sights and scents of "where it all happened." Unbelievers try to rename the holiday as "Gifts-mas", but the timeless truths of the CHRISTmas message will never change! And, of course the greatest Gift was the centerpiece of it all, wrapped in swaddling cloths, and lying in a manger. In coming years, the scenes, streets and celebrations of His birth will come to life in 3-D, high-def color, as Christmas memories transport us back to the village.
"Come let us go now, even to Bethlehem and see..."
"Day 6 - Take Two"
Last December, I drove through the Tennessee/North Carolina mountains in the early morning and hit a real blizzard at the state line on I-26. Not surprising, given the season and the altitude. Asheville and the Smoky Mountains were a spectacular winter wonderland that day!
Someone asked if we'd see snow in Israel? Outside of the ski areas of Mount Hermon, it only snows every few years in Israel, and then only in the higher elevations (like the Golan, and Jerusalem). I've seen snow in Jerusalem on two different tours. On one, our bus was delayed getting to the airport while we waited for a snow-caused accident to clear. We were a busload of passengers all heading for the same flight. The airline actually held the plane for us! "Whew!"
Snow is an interesting theme in the Scriptures. Song-writer-king David rejoiced that his sins were washed whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). Another song-writer, James Nicholson, picked up on that inspired line and then his lines "Whiter than Snow" were first published in 1772...
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe - now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
The wording seems a bit dated, and many younger believers have never even heard that song. So, they've never had the opportunity to frame a prayer of surrender in these timeless words...
Lord Jesus look down from Thy throne in the skies, & help me to make a complete sacrifice;
I give up myself, and whatever I know - Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Whiter than snow, yes whiter than snow. Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
In Jerusalem, seeing snow or a Sahara sandstorm for that matter (there's another story for another time), is definitely exciting! While of course we can't promise you snow in Jerusalem, I can promise you that "day 6" will be one of the most exciting days of your life. Standing on the Mount of Olives, walking down the Palm Sunday road, following the journey of our Lord on the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, standing on David's/Solomon's Temple mount area, sitting on the steps where Jesus taught and Peter preached (Acts 2) about the sacrifice that washes our sins "whiter than snow" - definitely an energizing and exciting day! The privilege of walking where Jesus walked enriches one's Bible study and teaching that brings forth the important harvest. That's what it's all about. God revealed that to Prophet Isaiah (55:10-11)...
10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without
watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and
bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me
empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
It's winter in the northern US, & it's the CHRISTmas season. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...
"Day 7" [Luke 19]
[I wrote this a year ago, just before our last Israel tour. I still thought you'd enjoy it! -dws]
"Is he here yet? Is he here yet?" That eager question was on the lips of every child of Israel.
For centuries, the words of the prophets had been their crimson thread of hope and redemption. The Messiah WOULD come, the Redeemer WOULD deliver them. And now this Rabbi from backwoods Nazareth seemed to be "the One". On a rising tide of popularity, people clamored to see Him even as He entered Jericho. As we remember, a leading wealthy citizen of Jericho wanted to see him. And as we have heard, Zacchaeus was short - "a wee little man was he."
So, desperate situations call for desperate measures...he climbed up in a sycamore tree...and as the Savior passed that way, He looked up in the tree and He said, Zacchaeus, you come down, for I'm going to YOUR house today! Yes, it was unbelievable - this rich guy climbing up a tree like a schoolboy, and more unbelievable, Jesus speaking to the hated man. Most unbelievable, Jesus extending the honor of visiting and dining in Zacchaeus' house, with all of Zacchaeus' 'friends' (these are his despised collaborators in the exorbitant taxing scheme of Rome.)
OK, now allow me to introduce you to another "wee little man." I held him in my arms for the first time last night. Arriving at the airport from Taiwan were our daughter, son-in-law, and our latest grandchild - yes, we are grandparents of six of the finest kids on the planet, including this one. Adopted last week, Cade is our newest of three grandsons. At nine months, "a wee little man is he." For weeks, his new family, and his church family have been asking "Is he here yet, is he here yet?" The anticipation, delays, highs and lows of the international adoption process, the prayers, hopes and dreams we've had don't begin to compare with the highs and lows, prayers, hopes and dreams of the people of Israel - anticipating their Messiah!
We rejoice that Cade is now here, settling into his South Carolina home with mom, dad, big sister and (for another day at least) his grandma and grandpa! My hope is that each of our grandchildren, including this wee little man, will so grow in love with the Savior that they will risk any embarrassment, take any measures and do whatever it takes to have the Lord Jesus be the centerpiece of their lives - to be transformed by His amazing grace!"
The question still echoes, "IS HE HERE YET?" YES HE IS! Welcome Cade! Welcome Jesus!!
Day 8
Looking from the plaza is a splendid view of the ancient City of David, surrounding hills, and the valley below, it's the valley of Gehenna! On a very clear day you can see the distant mountains
of Moab, in neighboring country of Jordan. One of the first 'tourists' to visit the Holy Land was a
man whose detailed diary of that challenging journey is a treasure to scholars & archaeologists alike . "The Pilgrim of Bordeaux" made an extensive tour, when there were no tour guides - in AD 333! One of his diary entries says "As you climb Mount Zion from the Pool of Siloam you come to the place where the house of Caiphas once stood."
Since ancient times, various church buildings have marked the site. (That's the case with many of these special locations. While it seems a hindrance to our "experience", these buildings are in fact a blessing, since they have stood as markers through history with caretakers protecting the sites.) In this particular case, a succession of buildings had fallen into ruin, with others being destroyed or damaged in ancient battles. The present one was built in 1931 and was extensively renovated 15 years ago. Caiphas' house is where Jesus was held prisoner the long night of His betrayal. It is a moving experience to be in the cave jail rooms (under where the house stood) and remember that our Savior might have been scourged and held captive right here!
The "church" marks where Caiphas' house was, where Jesus was imprisoned, and where Peter denied His Lord. On that third denial, Pete heard the sound of the rooster crowing, and remembered what Jesus had said. I think we would have gone out and "wept bitterly" too.
In fact, I have, when I have personally sinned and failed Him.
On my first Holy Land trip, I wondered what the modern name of the place meant. I didn't get a satisfying answer from our guide or tour host. Several years later, I found it (thanks "Google"). It's called "St. Peter Gallicantu" but my question was, what does "gallicantu" mean? Would yo like to know? Are you ready? Are you sure? I waited a really long time to find out myself!
Wait for it...
It means... "cock crowing." As we walk down toward the building from the parking area, notice the brass rooster up on the cupola. Inside the building are three statues worth seeing.
On the left side, Peter’s denial: “I do not know the man” (Luke 22:57).
In the center: Peter’s repentance: “He went out and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:62).
Right: Peter’s reconciliation: “Lord you know everything. You know that I love you” (John 21:17)
Our trip presents many wonderful places/opportunities to come before Him in worship, self- examination and renewal - including this one. I'm praying you have a blessed journey with us.
By the way, this is also the likely place where Peter himself (and John) were later imprisoned for preaching the gospel of Christ! "And now, you know the rest of the story!"
t TIh A
in Israel. Enjoy these tasty, "one-a-day morsels" beforehand.
Open your "tour Bible." With a pen and highlighter, I suggest
that as you read, make notes in the Bible you'll bring with you.
"Day 3"
After a good night's rest beside the Mediterranean, our first full
day of touring takes us to Caesarea-by-the-Sea. We will see the
beautiful theater and the impressive amphitheater. Everyone
will learn the difference between these two similar, but different
words. Speaking of words, and of amphitheaters, the inspired
writer in Hebrews 12:1 writes these words of encouragement...
"Let us run the race that is before us and never give up!"
The word "race" is the Greek "agon" from which we get "agony" and "agonize." Marathoners, 10k runners and tri-athletes understand that! Max Lucado says "The Christian’s race is not a jog but rather a demanding and grueling, sometimes agonizing race. It takes a massive effort to finish strong. Likely you’ve noticed that many runners don’t. Surely you’ve observed there are dropouts alongside the trail. They used to be running. At one time they kept the pace. But then weariness just sets in. They just didn’t think the run would be this tough…."
Jesus' final word on the cross, "tetelestai," is often translated "it is finished." More than just a sigh of relief, it is a triumphant victory shout - His personal testimony. We know that a fuller translation would be "paid in full!" Quite different from when I've run in a few 10k races, Jesus' strongest step was His last step - in other words, His best work was his final work! Gethsemane shows us that it would have been so easy for Jesus just to lie down by the path, rather than follow HIS path all the way to "skull hill." He could have dropped out of the race but He didn't!
The Apostle Paul describes his life and ministry in the kind of terms we'd all like to have as an accurate description of ours; "I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is a crown laid up for me, and not for me only, but for all those who have loved His appearing!"
Praise God! Keep the pace my friend, be encouraged today! The race belongs not to the swift, and not just to those who start well, but to those who finish well! And, while you're running, "Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!" With His help, let's all finish well!
"Day 4"
Having flown across the Atlantic (from the 'New World' back to the 'Old'), standing beside the fabled Mediterranean Sea, experiencing our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, and wading into the calm waters of the Jordan River, it's "quite a ride" so far! Throughout the world, since ancient times, bodies of water have determined the location of major cities, created jobs and provided transportation. They drive turbines to illuminate cities, generate power for daily life and business and provide the life-giving water that we need every day! But some bodies of water are special - not just for what we draw from them but for what we remember about them!
As we awake in our hotel beside the Sea of Galilee, we remember that Jesus walked by the sea, and on it as well! (There is even a new "attraction" that some local entrepreneur has built - a platform just below the water surface, so people can experience "walking on water"- for a fee of course.) Don't let that take away from your experiences there! What we are remembering is "the real deal." Remember that Jesus called His earliest disciples by Galilee, and He headquartered most of his ministry there on it's north shore in Capernaum. His Sermon on the Mount was overlooking the water. His warning that anyone harming a little child should have a large millstone hanged around his neck and be cast into the sea, was spoken near the waters edge! His obedience in baptism at the hands of John, in the river Jordan, speaks volumes in terms of example and it affirms John's message of our cleansing and hope in the waters of obedience.
Even the stark Dead Sea carries its own lesson. The same water flowing into the Sea of Galilee, giving it life, flows 75 miles south, down into the Dead Sea in which nothing living dwells!
The outlet from the Sea of Galilee is the lower Jordan River, near Yardenit, a popular place for baptism. But for the Dead Sea, the only outlet is evaporation - no other exit. While the Dead Sea is extremely rich in minerals, it supports no plant or animal life - its "Dead". The spiritual application is clear. Only as we allow ourselves to be life-giving conduits of God's blessing, only as we pass on what we receive from Him, do we fit the analogy of the beautiful, generous, giving Sea of Galilee. But when we hoard, grasp and protect; we fit the fate of the Dead Sea and we merit the same description.
Powerful lessons from the water's edge. Be sure to pack your swimsuit and water shoes for the Dead Sea. And remember that Jesus is the living water for you! Come on in - the water's fine!
"Day 5"
"King of the Mountain" Remember that game? I sure do - pushing my friends back down off the mound of dirt, the pile of snow, the front porch - and being pushed myself. Whoever managed to stay on the "mountain" while everyone else tried to get him off, was "king of the mountain!"
It was one against the world. As a boy, the victory was short-lived, but somehow "important."
When Jesus took his men to northern Galilee, the mountain region of Caesarea Philippi was a shrine to those who worshiped the Greek fertility god, "Pan" (hence the current name of the region, "Panais.") Not only was Pan worshiped in this place, but other gods were too. And in 20 BC, Herod built a marble temple there for the worship of the Emperor, Augustus Caesar. It seems in that culture that any god would do, and there were certainly plenty to choose from.
In our day, pluralism is always applauded, and diversity is almost deified! But pluralism is not new. In this pluralistic shrine of Caesarea Philippi, where "religion" abounded, it was a good place for Jesus to test his men. He asked them simple questions; "Are there many gods or just one?" "Who do people say the son of man is?" "Who do you say that I am?" Notice that the rapid reply of Simon Peter is both clear and exclusive. He makes it clear that there is room for no other. "You are the Christ, THE Son of the Living God." (Matthew 16:16) And it's not just a report of public opinion, not simply adding Jesus to the catalog of 'acceptable' deities. Peter declares, "Jesus, you are the one-and-only. You are the Son of God! There is absolutely no other."
While many even today object that this is simply "too exclusive...there must be other ways...this isn't the only truth...one path is as good as another", Jesus still stakes his claim; "I am the way the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Panais in 'century one' was a time and place that wanted to make all religions equal. In striking contrast, Jesus made claims that are exclusive. By His claims to be "God", Jesus pushes aside all other potential candidates. In our day when all religions are considered "equal", Jesus and His claims remain the same. He is the true "King of the Mountain" and the valleys of your life. Trust Him and He will direct "your paths!" In Him the victory isn't momentary & short-lived, it's forever!
While at Caesarea Philippi, we'll learn several reasons why Jesus might have taken his men to this cool, beautiful garden spot - probably more than once. One clue is that in this area, the north-eastern source of the Jordan bursts through the rocky soil from Mt. Hermon and flows into the upper Jordan valley. Today, Caesarea Philippi still echoes Peter's inspired reply - his good confession of the great and only Savior! In the northern Galilee region we'll see many wonderful things, but this cool, quiet spot is my favorite - it just may become yours too.
"Day 6"
"O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. Beneath thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years, are met in thee tonight!" They aren't as quiet as they once were - these streets of Bethlehem. While the population and commerce has risen and fallen in the village over the last few decades, it has been falling once again in recent years.
Whether the population grows or declines, whether there is much commerce or minimal traffic, the message of Bethlehem remains as precious for us now as it was for believers in the first century - "a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord." Unnamed shepherds hurrying into town "to see this wondrous thing which has come to pass." And we will journey to Bethlehem too. We'll see the same rocky shepherds fields, we may see a shepherd and perhaps a few sheep, We'll visit a possible place where lowly outcasts of society were given the first birth announcement on that spectacular night.
Yes, in January, we'll sing Christmas carols in the little village. We'll remember that "Beit-Lechem" means "house of bread" and the one-and-only Son of God is the living Bread for us! As we enter the ancient "Church of the Nativity" we'll bow in reverence to get through the door. As we stand in line to descend to the cave, revered since the fourth century as the birthplace of Jesus, we'll remember a lonely couple who journeyed far and long to get there, and whose journey was just beginning. The ebb and flow of population for the Roman census, made that night anything but "silent." The cry of a newborn broke the relative stillness of the stable, and as Joseph and Mary held their precious Jesus, they embraced not only their Son, but their Creator and their Savior as well. Indeed, the hopes and fears of all the years came together that night as God came into the world. "The word became flesh and dwelt among us. We beheld His glory, glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth!"
For the rest of our lives, after visiting Bethlehem, our celebration of the Savior's incarnation will be enhanced by sights and scents of "where it all happened." Unbelievers try to rename the holiday as "Gifts-mas", but the timeless truths of the CHRISTmas message will never change! And, of course the greatest Gift was the centerpiece of it all, wrapped in swaddling cloths, and lying in a manger. In coming years, the scenes, streets and celebrations of His birth will come to life in 3-D, high-def color, as Christmas memories transport us back to the village.
"Come let us go now, even to Bethlehem and see..."
"Day 6 - Take Two"
Last December, I drove through the Tennessee/North Carolina mountains in the early morning and hit a real blizzard at the state line on I-26. Not surprising, given the season and the altitude. Asheville and the Smoky Mountains were a spectacular winter wonderland that day!
Someone asked if we'd see snow in Israel? Outside of the ski areas of Mount Hermon, it only snows every few years in Israel, and then only in the higher elevations (like the Golan, and Jerusalem). I've seen snow in Jerusalem on two different tours. On one, our bus was delayed getting to the airport while we waited for a snow-caused accident to clear. We were a busload of passengers all heading for the same flight. The airline actually held the plane for us! "Whew!"
Snow is an interesting theme in the Scriptures. Song-writer-king David rejoiced that his sins were washed whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). Another song-writer, James Nicholson, picked up on that inspired line and then his lines "Whiter than Snow" were first published in 1772...
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe - now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
The wording seems a bit dated, and many younger believers have never even heard that song. So, they've never had the opportunity to frame a prayer of surrender in these timeless words...
Lord Jesus look down from Thy throne in the skies, & help me to make a complete sacrifice;
I give up myself, and whatever I know - Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Whiter than snow, yes whiter than snow. Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
In Jerusalem, seeing snow or a Sahara sandstorm for that matter (there's another story for another time), is definitely exciting! While of course we can't promise you snow in Jerusalem, I can promise you that "day 6" will be one of the most exciting days of your life. Standing on the Mount of Olives, walking down the Palm Sunday road, following the journey of our Lord on the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, standing on David's/Solomon's Temple mount area, sitting on the steps where Jesus taught and Peter preached (Acts 2) about the sacrifice that washes our sins "whiter than snow" - definitely an energizing and exciting day! The privilege of walking where Jesus walked enriches one's Bible study and teaching that brings forth the important harvest. That's what it's all about. God revealed that to Prophet Isaiah (55:10-11)...
10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without
watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and
bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me
empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
It's winter in the northern US, & it's the CHRISTmas season. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...
"Day 7" [Luke 19]
[I wrote this a year ago, just before our last Israel tour. I still thought you'd enjoy it! -dws]
"Is he here yet? Is he here yet?" That eager question was on the lips of every child of Israel.
For centuries, the words of the prophets had been their crimson thread of hope and redemption. The Messiah WOULD come, the Redeemer WOULD deliver them. And now this Rabbi from backwoods Nazareth seemed to be "the One". On a rising tide of popularity, people clamored to see Him even as He entered Jericho. As we remember, a leading wealthy citizen of Jericho wanted to see him. And as we have heard, Zacchaeus was short - "a wee little man was he."
So, desperate situations call for desperate measures...he climbed up in a sycamore tree...and as the Savior passed that way, He looked up in the tree and He said, Zacchaeus, you come down, for I'm going to YOUR house today! Yes, it was unbelievable - this rich guy climbing up a tree like a schoolboy, and more unbelievable, Jesus speaking to the hated man. Most unbelievable, Jesus extending the honor of visiting and dining in Zacchaeus' house, with all of Zacchaeus' 'friends' (these are his despised collaborators in the exorbitant taxing scheme of Rome.)
OK, now allow me to introduce you to another "wee little man." I held him in my arms for the first time last night. Arriving at the airport from Taiwan were our daughter, son-in-law, and our latest grandchild - yes, we are grandparents of six of the finest kids on the planet, including this one. Adopted last week, Cade is our newest of three grandsons. At nine months, "a wee little man is he." For weeks, his new family, and his church family have been asking "Is he here yet, is he here yet?" The anticipation, delays, highs and lows of the international adoption process, the prayers, hopes and dreams we've had don't begin to compare with the highs and lows, prayers, hopes and dreams of the people of Israel - anticipating their Messiah!
We rejoice that Cade is now here, settling into his South Carolina home with mom, dad, big sister and (for another day at least) his grandma and grandpa! My hope is that each of our grandchildren, including this wee little man, will so grow in love with the Savior that they will risk any embarrassment, take any measures and do whatever it takes to have the Lord Jesus be the centerpiece of their lives - to be transformed by His amazing grace!"
The question still echoes, "IS HE HERE YET?" YES HE IS! Welcome Cade! Welcome Jesus!!
Day 8
Looking from the plaza is a splendid view of the ancient City of David, surrounding hills, and the valley below, it's the valley of Gehenna! On a very clear day you can see the distant mountains
of Moab, in neighboring country of Jordan. One of the first 'tourists' to visit the Holy Land was a
man whose detailed diary of that challenging journey is a treasure to scholars & archaeologists alike . "The Pilgrim of Bordeaux" made an extensive tour, when there were no tour guides - in AD 333! One of his diary entries says "As you climb Mount Zion from the Pool of Siloam you come to the place where the house of Caiphas once stood."
Since ancient times, various church buildings have marked the site. (That's the case with many of these special locations. While it seems a hindrance to our "experience", these buildings are in fact a blessing, since they have stood as markers through history with caretakers protecting the sites.) In this particular case, a succession of buildings had fallen into ruin, with others being destroyed or damaged in ancient battles. The present one was built in 1931 and was extensively renovated 15 years ago. Caiphas' house is where Jesus was held prisoner the long night of His betrayal. It is a moving experience to be in the cave jail rooms (under where the house stood) and remember that our Savior might have been scourged and held captive right here!
The "church" marks where Caiphas' house was, where Jesus was imprisoned, and where Peter denied His Lord. On that third denial, Pete heard the sound of the rooster crowing, and remembered what Jesus had said. I think we would have gone out and "wept bitterly" too.
In fact, I have, when I have personally sinned and failed Him.
On my first Holy Land trip, I wondered what the modern name of the place meant. I didn't get a satisfying answer from our guide or tour host. Several years later, I found it (thanks "Google"). It's called "St. Peter Gallicantu" but my question was, what does "gallicantu" mean? Would yo like to know? Are you ready? Are you sure? I waited a really long time to find out myself!
Wait for it...
It means... "cock crowing." As we walk down toward the building from the parking area, notice the brass rooster up on the cupola. Inside the building are three statues worth seeing.
On the left side, Peter’s denial: “I do not know the man” (Luke 22:57).
In the center: Peter’s repentance: “He went out and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:62).
Right: Peter’s reconciliation: “Lord you know everything. You know that I love you” (John 21:17)
Our trip presents many wonderful places/opportunities to come before Him in worship, self- examination and renewal - including this one. I'm praying you have a blessed journey with us.
By the way, this is also the likely place where Peter himself (and John) were later imprisoned for preaching the gospel of Christ! "And now, you know the rest of the story!"
t TIh A