Saturday, March 3, 2012

First Day in the Old City

     We finally made it to the Old City this morning. We visited the Holy Sepulcher (where Jesus is believed to have been buried) and the Pools of Bethesda (John 5).
     I am not much on marble and brass at these holy sites. People wait in long lines only to come before a painted icon or a shiny grotto that marks a significant site. I do not stand in judgment of these people. For me, however, it is the gift of storytelling (inspired by the Holy Spirit) that transports me to new heights.
     Don't get me wrong. There are some magnificent sanctuaries, mosaics, and structures to behold, but the most impacting moments come when I stand at a holy site and our guide paints a vivid, word picture of its history and significance.
     In the afternoon, because of the cold and rain, we visited the Israel Museum. Of particular interest here were the Dead Sea Scrolls.
     Tomorrow morning we begin the day with our Lord's Day worship service, led by the 5-6 pastors on this trip. We then return to the City of Jerusalem.
     We will be praying for drier weather and warmer temperatures.

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