Israel day #6

PICTURES...





Jerusalem, the holy city. We arrived in Jerusalem this evening; fabulous, truly fabulous. It is a place where so many events took place. Let's begin with the day, and I will get back to Jerusalem.

We started early and went to Massada. This was basically a plateau on a massive mountaintop that was turned into a city by King Herod in 1st Century BC. This is the same Herod that killed all the babies 2 and under, when Christ was born. There were palaces, saunas, bath houses, and everything. It was a regular city on a mountaintop. It is incredible how they lived up there. The crazy thing is Herod built the place, or had slaves build it, and there is no record that he ever spent a night there. Talk about the ultimate vacation home!!

Just down the road, we went to Engedi. This is the cave where David hid from Saul (I Samuel 24). Saul came after David to kill him. God laid Saul into the hands of David, and he could have killed him, but chose to spare his life. He cut off a piece his cloak, and came after Saul explaining. Saul realized his righteousness, and he granted him right to succeed him as king. It was in the middle of the desert, and we went on an extremely long hike. On this hike, there were several waterfalls in the center of the desert. Where the water came from?? I have no idea!! It is incredible how God created this world.

We stopped briefly on the side of the road, and rode camels, yes, we rode camels. Over the edge of the mountain, within the distance, we could see the Jericho Road. This was the old road that people used to travel from Jerusalem to Jericho. Jesus must have used this road to travel to Jericho. This was also the road the story of the Good Samaritan took place. We could not see this up close, but from a distance, you could clearly see a road that traveled a long way.

Next was a long bus ride to Jerusalem. We took a break before dinner, and then went into the Temple Courts from the 1st Century. We walked upon the Wailing Wall. This wall was built by King Herod (What wasnt built by Herod?? - His goal was to turn Israel into Rome). This temple was used in Jesus time, and they can guarantee Jesus walked the streets and was in this temple. We saw some of the original streets, and the wall was entirely original (except for the top 20%). We saw Jewish men and woman worshiping and praying on this wall, because this wall was considered holy because it was there 2000+ years ago (ancient Jewish times). It reminded me of Romans 10:1-4 - ...they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.... It is sad to see them worship, not fully understanding what they worship. They are so close by believing most the Old Testament, but dismissing the fact that their Messiah has already come. Pray for them as you can see them worship and pray on the wall (in the pictures). I would upload a video, but it is about a 2 hour process, and it is 1130pm, and I am ready for BED!!

Love and miss you guys. 3 more days, and we will back in Naples, God willing!! Watch some of the NCAA Tourney for me, I am hating missing it, but I am doing something much more worthwhile. Cheer on the Cards for me!!