Today we had a slightly more relaxed schedule but still a very busy day. We had breakfast today with Pastor Khenghai and several other people from various places. Today is Pastor Khenghai's last day in Bethlehem. He is a Pastor from Singapore who has spent 4 weeks of his 6 month sabbatical here in the Holy Land. He leaves for the airport tonight at midnight where he will make a stop in Turkey for a week visiting some of the Biblical sites talked about in chapters 2 and 3 of Revelations. Can you say unbelievable?
After breakfast we had a little time to relax prior to heading to the Old City. We were able to see several sites even though it wasn't a lot of time that we had. We saw two locations thought to be the crucifixion and resurrection sites of Jesus Christ. At the Garden Tombe we took communion together and had a little time to reflect about the meaning of the bread and the wine. We spent some time looking around an just taking in the beauty of God's creation.
After there we went to Zedekiah's Cave. This was an underground cave built in the limestone quarry in the Old City of Jerusalem. I don't know the history but I will be reading up on it. It is a cave, I am a guy, it was cool even if I don't know the history. One of the cool things was the different ways the cave broke off then came back together. It was very cool while in the cave.
After leaving the cave we moved into the old city which was very cool. Walking through the old city, on some of the same streets where Jesus carried his cross to his crucifixion was very powerful. Difficult to grasp the terrain there until you have seen it and walked it in the heat of the day. Now imagine carrying the cross that you will soon be crucified on. When they say He walked up and down hills, they meant it. I believe this is the most hills I have seen in one area and to picture it without the streets and stairs that exist here today puts it into perspective.
We had a quick bite to eat in the old city at a local restaurant. We then went over to see the Mt. of Olives but it was closed so we only got to look in from the outside. Romy explained quite a bit about the site and we all talked a little about it. This is where Jesus wept for the city. The hills here were so steep that the cars were having problems driving up the hills, imagine yourself walking these hills.
After this we came back to the Bible College where we spent some time relaxing, showering and just reflecting on what we have done. Romy went to a meeting with a couple of people, Tommye and John went for a walk to see Nadia and get some more Toot Fruit. :-)
We then headed over to a local artist's house where we shared some fresh fruit. We went into his garden to see all the different things his brother is growing. Romy pointed out the fig tree in the yard, the size of the leaves, then asked to think about the story of Adam and Eve. After going in the garden we went upstairs to Zaki's Studio. We walked up the stairs stepping over pipes going across the floor, watching our head for other things so we didn't bump our heads. Imagine this, it is a powerful image. Just stepping past the entrance you see a small workbench with some brushes on it, some oil pain still on the mixing palette, a single lightbulb hanging from the ceiling for just the perfect amount of light for an artist to do his work. Looking past the workbench there are some paintings laying out on display, they are painted on olive wood. Now imagine the artist telling you to pick one as a gift from him to you. These are paintings of different biblical scenes. First one that grabbed me was a painting of the head of Jesus wearing the crown of thorns. It brought tears to my eyes on how beautiful of a talent this man has. Zaki then went on to show us more about his workshop, samples, then showed us where he dries his oil paintings on the roof of his house. He has an amazing view where he can see where one of the well known bible stories took place. The valley where David slew Goliath. Can you imagine growing up right across the street from where this happened. Imagine needing inspiration as an artist and being able to go look off your rooftop and see the Holy Land. We then went down to the front porch where we shared more fruit, mango juice and stories.
After this we went to dinner across from the Bible College where John, Romy and myself went to dinner. Tommye went back to the room to have some time by herself. At dinner we talked about Zaki and his work. I mentioned how amazing his studio was and that when we stepped into it, even though it was small, had tools that he made himself and was very hot that it was the studio of a genius. Zaki's work is beautiful, inspring, and shows the love of Jesus through his work.
Also at dinner we had some amazing discussion that really hit me right in the heart. Romy was talking about we are sons and daughters of God. We started talking about acting like the Royal sons and daughters that God made us to be. Romy then mentioned something literally made me cry. She spoke of husbands and wives and how husbands are married to one of Gods daughters. Think about this for a minute, seriously any man reading this, please think about this. This is a very important lesson that I learned today. I am married to a daughter of God. Talk about blowing my mind, I had never thought of it that way. Yeah, I am a son of God, that is awesome in itself, but my Father, my Heavenly Father gave me one of his daughters in the most beautiful gift called marriage. I can't believe I have never put that together before. The words no more than came out of Romy's mouth and the light bulb went off, the tears started coming out. Just mind blowing, that's all I can say.
After this we came back to the guest house and packed up since we leave at 8am tomorrow morning to spend the day traveling and seeing sites. We all eventually ended up in the living room looking at more of Zaki's work on the computer. A video that Romy's company created (link) which shows Zaki at work. We talked about our favorite parts of the trip which will have to be a later topic.
I close tonights blog with a thought, a thought of a free future, free from the "chains" that have held us down for so long. A thought of love, hope, and peace here in the Holy Land. A thought of all being sons and daughters of God, the God who created everything. A thought that through His Word, we can reach all of these things. Live in the Word of God every day, every night and be released from your pain.
Psalm 56:4 n God, whose word I praise - In God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
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