Devotional Time

It's been 6 years since my last visit to the Holy Land. I just got back on Monday, and I'm still very excited about having gone. I used to have this pastor who would mention that sometimes he found himself daydreaming about the Holy Land. I never did quite understand that, but I think I do now.

This trip was more relaxed and laid back. We were with friends so no huge tour groups, and Lady and little Ida Claire accompanied me. So, even though I "saw" more the first time. I think I may have enjoyed this one better. But I also think having gone the first time made this trip better. The two are certainly complementary.

I hope to have some time to post my thoughts before they leave me. For now I want to give my top ten places I liked the most on this visit.


10. Temple Mount - The Davidson Center was not open last time. So, I got the raw form then. However, I did like seeing the southern part of the Temple Mount and meeting the elderly lady from Czechoslovakia who told us briefly about her time in 1948 when she was brought to Israel as a child. This time I actually got to pray at the Western Wall (Wailing Wall). I could have skipped the Temple Institute, but it was good for Lady R to see. One day maybe we can go on the tour under the Temple Mount.

9. Masada - Nothing Biblical happened here, but it is an incredible story and a magnanimous building project.

8. Tower of David - Great views of the city. Nice place to explore around.

7. Dead Sea - It was just fun floating in the Salt Sea.

6. Jerusalem (the Old City) - It is always a blessing to be in the Old City and to think of all the things that occurred there. There was one point, on Friday, the Muslims were off to mosque while Christians were coming down the Via Dolorosa all being monitored by Israeli soldiers. At that point in time and place all three monotheistic religions met. But they all sort of ignored each other. It portrayed segregation at its best (or worst, depending on your vantage point).

5. Garden Tomb - I have doubts as to whether this is the actual place of Jesus' death and burial, but regardless I really love the atmosphere. It seems like a great place to reflect on this crucial event in our spiritual heritage.

4. Mount of Beatitudes - Very devotional for me. We are studying the Beatitudes at church so I got a better picture of what Jesus was teaching.

3. Garden of Gethsemane - Stopping and taking the time to read the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane at the Garden of Gethsemane was amazing. It really brought the story to life with the sleepy followers, ears being cut off, and Jesus' arrest.

2. Caeserea (by the Sea) - This place is so huge and absolutely beautiful. If I were king, I would have made it a place for me too. Again, really loved reading the story of Paul's imprisonment and to see where Herod was struck with worms.

1. Capernaum - Both times I love hearing the stories associated with the town and especially the synagogue. Realized the man lowered down the roof happened here, maybe at Peter's house. Cool thought.