Our last day in the city of Jerusalem included what is almost universally agreed upon by Christians to be the highlight of the trip: a visit to the sites where it is believed Jesus died on the cross for our sins and where he was raised from the dead.

There are two sites where it is believed that Christ died and rose again. One is the traditional site that the Roman Catholic church has recognized since the fourth century. The other was discovered in the 1800’s by a British Major-General named Charles Gordon.

The two sites could not be more different. One is located inside the Old City of Jerusalem; the other just beyond the Damascus city gate. One is marked by an unbelievable amount of religious paraphenelia–icons, statues, trinkets of every kind and is located inside a shrine; the other is located outside and above a bus station, that quietly looks out on the noisy and busy streets. One site, at least to me, seemed oppressive and deeply disturbing because of what surrounded it; the other site seemed more in keeping with what I have always imagined it would be–a high place, outside the city walls, along a major thorough-fare.

The tombs where as stark in contrast as well. One is surrounded by a small, dark building; the other is in a garden that is peaceful and hope-inspiring.

I’m not trying to impose my views on which site is more authentic. Smarter people than me have been trying to figure that out for many years. But I can tell you without doubt, there was one site that made it very easy for me to believe that Jesus could have died and resurrected in that spot.

My only regret is that we didn’t get to spend enough time there. I hope to visit there again someday. And I hope I can take some people with me who can “see the place where they laid him” (Mark 16:6)

On the way out of the Garden tomb area, there is this inscription: “Declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead.” (Romans 1:4)

May my life declare that good news message with power.

Filed under: John's posts on February 6th, 2010 | 1 Comment »

Although we are back safely from Israel, I want to finish the daily experiences we had via the blog. Quite frankly, I couldn’t blog on the trip long enough to keep up. It is no exaggeration to say we went from 7AM in the morning to well beyond 11:30PM most days. Unless I didn’t want to sleep, it was hard to find the time to blog.

So let me pick back up with Day 5.

This was one of the most impactful days on me personally because it was my first devotional site. I had the privilege–and I do count it a privilege–to be able to speak to our group in the place where it is believed that Jesus was held in custody by Caiaphas the High Priest. This is also the site where Peter denied Jesus three times in the courtyard, just above ground, near the pit where his Lord was being held.

Let that setting sink in a minute. I was understandably overwhelmed.  What struck me was not the fact that Jesus denied Peter. What struck me was that not more than a few months after that triple rejection of Jesus, most scholars believe that Peter himself was incarcerated in the same pit for preaching Jesus was crucified and risen so powerfully in Jerusalem.  Read the story in Acts 4 and 5.

As the Jewish authorities were deciding what to do with Peter and John, and warned them not to speak anymore in Jesus name, Peter uttered those memorable, bold words that have strengthened the hearts of countless believers throughout the centuries who have been persecuted for their faith. “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19,20)

What made the difference in the Peter who cowardly denied Jesus and the Peter who would gladly die for Jesus? The “mystery of God”: Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27) Jesus lived in, with and through Peter a life that Peter could not live on his own. That was his promise to Peter and the rest of the disciples in the Upper Room and that is His promise us.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

Filed under: John's posts on February 6th, 2010 | No Comments »

February 4

7:15 AM Departure to Ben Gurion International Airport

Filed under: Israel on February 4th, 2010 | No Comments »

February 3

Caesarea - The great Roman port city and one of the largest archeological digs in Israel. This is where Peter baptized the Roman centurion Cornelius and became the first gentile convert to Christianity (Acts 10) and where Paul was tried by Festus (Acts 25:6-12).

Mukhraka – Mt Carmel, where Elijah battled the prophets of Baal (1Kings 18:25)

Megiddo - (1 Kings 9:15) A fascinating tel (hill), comprising 26 ancient civilizations superimposed on one another, overlooking the Valley of Jezreel also know as the Valley of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16)

Nazareth Village – A recreation of Nazareth during the times of Jesus

Nazareth - The boyhood home of Jesus. If time permits, we will visit the Church of the Annunciation.

Drive back to Tel Aviv

Dinner, Tel Aviv

Overnight at the Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

Filed under: Israel on February 3rd, 2010 | No Comments »

Filed under: Israel on February 2nd, 2010 | No Comments »