Five Days in Jerusalem

Five Days in Jerusalem

Kojak the camel provided my first panoramic view of the Holy City.  On a hillside overlooking this ancient city, Kojak, a well-known feature of Jerusalem, carried me as he has hundreds of visitors on a swaying jaunt. That ride became the first of many unique encounters in this alluring land.

After dismounting, I spent time taking in the scene below.  Displayed in centuries-old splendor were well-known sites:  The Mount of Olives and Garden of Gethsemane, the Dome of the Rock and the Wailing Wall, as well as the bustling Jewish and Arab Marketplaces.

Like many people, a trip to Israel had been on my bucket list for quite a while and Jerry and I joined three other couples in experiencing this life-changing event.  Some advice we received at the onset:  “See Israel with your heart, not just your eyes and be open to how God will minister to you.”  Good advice.  During our stay this land touched my heart in surprising ways. 

Can you imagine treading where Jesus walked, or climbing where King Herod’s prolific
palaces towered?  On this historic and exotic ground, truly the Bible comes alive!  But
how do you encapsulate two weeks of richness with the poverty of words?  Such spiritual and emotional experiences result in at least a feeling of time travel.

 For example, we made our way through a crowded Jewish “shuk” – a farmer’s market on steroids!  People everywhere were purchasing food for the Sabbath meal.  The strawberries were huge, and the pomegranates gigantic! I was reminded of Joshua and Caleb recounting their observations of the Promised Land – “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey!  Here is its fruit.”  We got a taste (pun intended!) of what they meant!

Isaiah’s prophetic words, “By His stripes we are healed”  never rang more true than when we prayed for healing in the place where Jesus was beaten – What a powerful and moving experience as we remembered - this is where He shed His blood for us!    

We followed the Via Dolorosa along the cobblestones, and I was struck by the steepness of the climb.  No wonder Jesus, after being beaten, exhausted with pain and sorrow, needed help carrying his cross!

We remembered Jesus’ crucifixion, then we stood in front of the Eastern Gate on the Walled City of Jerusalem and celebrated where He will return.  After experiencing these sights first-hand, you might imagine when I offered prayers at the Wailing Wall, I was emotionally overcome! 

                        

 

In the midst of feeling God’s presence there at the wall, I caught a glimpse of a heart-warming sight.  A young Jewish boy knelt down to write his prayer to place in the crevices of the Wall.  What a picture of this culture and this place! 

                               

 

Needless to say, there were many other sights, sacred places and occasions for experiences that touched my heart; space doesn’t permit describing them all.  But Five Days in Jerusalem will always be a time held dear, encounters I’ll always treasure.  Writing about Our Days at the Sea of Galilee comes next! 

Have you visited the Holy Land or have a desire to do so?  I’d love to hear about your experiences or your dreams!