As 2008 comes to a close, I can look back at one time as the most difficult part of the year. It came in April with the death of my grandmother. I was able to visit her in the hospital two days before she died, which was a blessing to see her one last time after not seeing her for at least a year. The next weekend I was asked to speak at the memorial service, I agreed without knowing what I would say. Despite the countless speeches and sermons that I had given in the past four or five year, I was in no way prepared, I struggle through the tears and said what I had wanted to say. For a while I was thinking that I should post what I had said but I did not want to reconsider the reality of loss once again. I nevertheless push through that struggle and present it to you.
The Second Century Christian Theologian Iraneus wrote about the Rule of Faith, the idea that those who come before us pass on the faith, for me this heritage of faith is from Ruth Foat, although I call her Grandma. I can still remember as a young child grandma teaching me the books of the Bible, to this day I can remember Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. It all gets hazy from there but I remember learning it from grandma. Years after learning the names of the books with grandma, the seeds grew into faith. That faith has changed me and led me to where I am today.
I was blessed that last weekend I was able to go visit her in the hospital. She talked to me about being led by the Spirit so that she would have immediate repentance and obedience to the voice of God. Her desire was to be more intimate and to have nothing hindering her journey. I hope that I can grow to that as well.
The thing that inspired me the most in my visit was her love for God’s Word. Since her arrival she had been reading through the New Testament, using a book that showed what the Jewish understanding metaphors and stories. Despite her situation she knew there was more to understand, she earnestly desired to know more about the Scripture to learn more about God. Her faith brought her to seek understanding no matter the circumstance. Her faith impacted every layer of her being, it was not a faith that did not waiver. She affirmed in me an understanding of God that goes beyond simple morality but reached to a solid theology.
In the end she was selfless, her first words to me when I visited were “You do the talking, tell me everything about your studies and your church. It wasn’t about what she could tell me or what was going on with her, she wanted to hear about me. My hope is that I can come to a place in my life where I can have that same attitude.
Today I reflect on a life well lived and worthy of imitation.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
How The Yankees could Ruin Baseball
This winter the New York Yankees have signed the top two pitchers, C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, and the top position player, Mark Texiera. Their robust holiday shopping bill will cost them 423 million dollars over the course of the contracts. This spending by the Yankees has been rivaled by other clubs slashing payroll in an effort to stave off financial disaster.
This offseason's purchases by the Yankees worry me for two reasons, the non-competitve nature of teams in free agency in comparison to the Yankees and the pressure that it puts on teams to find ways to compete with them financially.
The first issue is simply that the despairity in financial resources makes it impossible for small-market teams to compete for championships for more than a one or two year window, with the home-grown talent that will soon leave to play for the Yankees. The Yankees infield will earn more than 21 entire teams this season, that is simply unfair, Major League Baseball needs to see what the NFL has done to take over as the most watched sport in America, parity and the ability of any team no matter the size of the market, i.e. Green Bay, to compete for a championship. (Note: The Detroit Lions do hinder this argument but they are awful because of poor management.)
The second reason that the Yankees offseason scares me is because it takes away from the way the game was meant to be, I know that players don't last entire careers with one tam anymore, but a few would be nice. My biggest worry is that Fenway Park is headed towards danger. It is clear that the Yankees have spent this year and will continue to be able to spend in this manner for years because of their new high revenue ballpark. The problem is their nearest competition in terms of finances is the Red Sox who play in the smallest park in baseball, simoultaneously the one of the most historic parks. My fear is that the Red Sox will find a need to expand Fenway to the point that it is no longer the Fenway that it has always been, a la the spaceship of a stadium that landed at Soldier Field, or that the Red Sox will build a new stadium to be able to have the same revenue. Thus taking away of the best parts of baseball for decades.
Either way the solution is simple, a salary cap.
This offseason's purchases by the Yankees worry me for two reasons, the non-competitve nature of teams in free agency in comparison to the Yankees and the pressure that it puts on teams to find ways to compete with them financially.
The first issue is simply that the despairity in financial resources makes it impossible for small-market teams to compete for championships for more than a one or two year window, with the home-grown talent that will soon leave to play for the Yankees. The Yankees infield will earn more than 21 entire teams this season, that is simply unfair, Major League Baseball needs to see what the NFL has done to take over as the most watched sport in America, parity and the ability of any team no matter the size of the market, i.e. Green Bay, to compete for a championship. (Note: The Detroit Lions do hinder this argument but they are awful because of poor management.)
The second reason that the Yankees offseason scares me is because it takes away from the way the game was meant to be, I know that players don't last entire careers with one tam anymore, but a few would be nice. My biggest worry is that Fenway Park is headed towards danger. It is clear that the Yankees have spent this year and will continue to be able to spend in this manner for years because of their new high revenue ballpark. The problem is their nearest competition in terms of finances is the Red Sox who play in the smallest park in baseball, simoultaneously the one of the most historic parks. My fear is that the Red Sox will find a need to expand Fenway to the point that it is no longer the Fenway that it has always been, a la the spaceship of a stadium that landed at Soldier Field, or that the Red Sox will build a new stadium to be able to have the same revenue. Thus taking away of the best parts of baseball for decades.
Either way the solution is simple, a salary cap.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Don't Mess With...
It seems strange that I am poised to finish my fifth semester of seminary. It seems like just last week that I began classes bright-eyed and excited about how much I would learn about God and understand him more. That attitude did not last long, by the first Greek exam I think I realized that seminary was no Sunday School class, although some classes give disappointing hope that it is, but that seminary was going to drain me both mentally and physically. Shortly after the realization that seminary would not be any walk in the park, my hope of understanding God began to fade as well. This was not because I did not learn about who God is, but because I did learn about him, and realized that there are aspects of God that I cannot reconcile.
The difficult issues of my Christian walk before I came were mostly centered around God's sovereignty. However the issues which I thought could be solved only led to more difficult questions, namely the active and passive will of God. The question became how can an all-powerful being allow something to happen, if he knows that it will happen and can stop it than how is that passive? It is at least actively passive. I sought to understand it, as some form of anthropomorphizing God's character. God's active will seems most troubling in the particularity of his mercy, as shown in his showing mercy to some and wrath to others, based on his own choosing.
This same question of the particularity of God's mercy is discussed in Romans 9 as Paul explains that God loves some and hates others, he will save some and harden others such as Pharaoh. Paul then conjours up a hypothetical objector to this idea. The objector rightly questions how God can do this and still find fault in those who are destined to reject him, because no one can resist God's will. Paul's answer is an answer that has troubled me since I first read Romans 9. "O man, on the contrary, who are you to talk back to God." I always thought it meant that Paul had no answer and responded to the difficulty by only saying that man cannot know.
I now realize that I did not complerely grasp what is happening in this verse. Paul's inference here "O man" is being used idiomatically to say that we are mere men. Thus a mere man cannot talk back to his maker. Now that I have begun to move past my arrogance, which blinded me from seeing what the text was saying because I felt slighted by Paul's response, it has become clear that Paul is not trying to say that man cannot answer the question of God's particulariry but is instead making a statement of what he is willing to messs with. In the grand scheme of theology and anthropology Paul is saying that he would rather mess with man's understanding and position, rather than God's character.
Having been through a few years of seminary now I realize that I cannot understand everything about God, and that no one will ever be able to grasp the fullness of God. With this in mind I have come to agree with Paul that I will not mess with God's character. I will affirm his attributes, but I cannot not ,in any right mind, question who he is. So that now as I consider the difficulty of God's mercy being only shown to those he has chosen, I submit that there is something lacking in my ability to understand, because of my finitude and his infiinitude. I would much rather say that I cannot fully grasp God than to say that there is something wrong with who he is. For even God's foolishness is wisdom to me.
The difficult issues of my Christian walk before I came were mostly centered around God's sovereignty. However the issues which I thought could be solved only led to more difficult questions, namely the active and passive will of God. The question became how can an all-powerful being allow something to happen, if he knows that it will happen and can stop it than how is that passive? It is at least actively passive. I sought to understand it, as some form of anthropomorphizing God's character. God's active will seems most troubling in the particularity of his mercy, as shown in his showing mercy to some and wrath to others, based on his own choosing.
This same question of the particularity of God's mercy is discussed in Romans 9 as Paul explains that God loves some and hates others, he will save some and harden others such as Pharaoh. Paul then conjours up a hypothetical objector to this idea. The objector rightly questions how God can do this and still find fault in those who are destined to reject him, because no one can resist God's will. Paul's answer is an answer that has troubled me since I first read Romans 9. "O man, on the contrary, who are you to talk back to God." I always thought it meant that Paul had no answer and responded to the difficulty by only saying that man cannot know.
I now realize that I did not complerely grasp what is happening in this verse. Paul's inference here "O man" is being used idiomatically to say that we are mere men. Thus a mere man cannot talk back to his maker. Now that I have begun to move past my arrogance, which blinded me from seeing what the text was saying because I felt slighted by Paul's response, it has become clear that Paul is not trying to say that man cannot answer the question of God's particulariry but is instead making a statement of what he is willing to messs with. In the grand scheme of theology and anthropology Paul is saying that he would rather mess with man's understanding and position, rather than God's character.
Having been through a few years of seminary now I realize that I cannot understand everything about God, and that no one will ever be able to grasp the fullness of God. With this in mind I have come to agree with Paul that I will not mess with God's character. I will affirm his attributes, but I cannot not ,in any right mind, question who he is. So that now as I consider the difficulty of God's mercy being only shown to those he has chosen, I submit that there is something lacking in my ability to understand, because of my finitude and his infiinitude. I would much rather say that I cannot fully grasp God than to say that there is something wrong with who he is. For even God's foolishness is wisdom to me.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Football Done Wrong
I have noticed for years now that I am far less productive in the fall semester than the spring semester. The reason is simple Saturdays, it begins with a great game of ultimate and when I get home the opportunity for schoolwork is squandered by hours of college football action. It doesn't even have to be a favorite team only an interesting game. Although I will not miss my Volunteers, except this season because I miss Tennessee football done right.
The reason Tennessee football is great is tradition from Rocky Top to the Vol Walk, the pride and loyalty of fans is broadcasted loud and clear. Football time in Tennessee is a microcosm of the way football is done in the SEC, with tailgating, a sold-out stadium, and hours of standing and screaming during the game. That is the football I know, or at least knew until this past Saturday.
After arriving a night in Phoenix Friday, my Father and I drove a couple hours to Tucson the next afternoon to go to the Arizona-Oregon State football game. What followed was not college football but some sadly sedated imitation of the glory of the fall. Tailgating was tame, with more discussion of business than football, the baby gift was an entertaining "Daddy's Little Wingman," but that is not what you give during football season, you give a baby jersey or their first (insert favorite college) hat. The food was good, however I can get good off a grill in my backyard, so I cannot consider it a positive part of a football experience only a part of the perphery. We walked into the stadium and it was pedestrian, there was hardly any character, the 60,000 seats were three-quarters full. The team ran out to fireworks, not through the opening of the band, and to top it off the flags which spell the team name, anounced the University of Arizona "Wilctas." This sort of flashy mediocrity is fine for a church in Dallas (is that too harsh?) but it is not the way of college football.
The game kicked off with most people standing, and a scattered few shaking their keys, one guy had to be a dungeon keeper or possibly a key collecter, with his giant key ring and scores of keys. The point is everyone should be standing and yelling, and that was hardly the case. From this point on I sat somewhat comfortably, except for the occasional third and long. When we stood and clapped as if the quarterback made a par putt. It was all together average and the fans were lukewarm at best. It was a far departure from four hours of standing and yelling, that I grew accustom to in the SEC.
The truth is quite clear, the SEC knows how football done and the Pac-10 can only claim a junior varsity venture that fell short of compelling. Only creating a desire in me to once again be a part of a true college football atmosphere.
The reason Tennessee football is great is tradition from Rocky Top to the Vol Walk, the pride and loyalty of fans is broadcasted loud and clear. Football time in Tennessee is a microcosm of the way football is done in the SEC, with tailgating, a sold-out stadium, and hours of standing and screaming during the game. That is the football I know, or at least knew until this past Saturday.
After arriving a night in Phoenix Friday, my Father and I drove a couple hours to Tucson the next afternoon to go to the Arizona-Oregon State football game. What followed was not college football but some sadly sedated imitation of the glory of the fall. Tailgating was tame, with more discussion of business than football, the baby gift was an entertaining "Daddy's Little Wingman," but that is not what you give during football season, you give a baby jersey or their first (insert favorite college) hat. The food was good, however I can get good off a grill in my backyard, so I cannot consider it a positive part of a football experience only a part of the perphery. We walked into the stadium and it was pedestrian, there was hardly any character, the 60,000 seats were three-quarters full. The team ran out to fireworks, not through the opening of the band, and to top it off the flags which spell the team name, anounced the University of Arizona "Wilctas." This sort of flashy mediocrity is fine for a church in Dallas (is that too harsh?) but it is not the way of college football.
The game kicked off with most people standing, and a scattered few shaking their keys, one guy had to be a dungeon keeper or possibly a key collecter, with his giant key ring and scores of keys. The point is everyone should be standing and yelling, and that was hardly the case. From this point on I sat somewhat comfortably, except for the occasional third and long. When we stood and clapped as if the quarterback made a par putt. It was all together average and the fans were lukewarm at best. It was a far departure from four hours of standing and yelling, that I grew accustom to in the SEC.
The truth is quite clear, the SEC knows how football done and the Pac-10 can only claim a junior varsity venture that fell short of compelling. Only creating a desire in me to once again be a part of a true college football atmosphere.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Questions
Laying in bed, tired as can be, my mind would not shut down. I blame the Mountain Dew I drank to stay awake for my Hebrew exegetical. The racing thoughts turned only into questions. What am I doing? What do I want to be doing? What do I want to want? On my best days what do I want my desire to be? The questions were penetrating my heart, and for a moment I saw what I want to want, Christ. On my best of days I don't know if I can say that I desire him above everything else, but in the moment when I am at my my best I can say that I want to want Christ. Last night was one of those moments when everything was stripped away (thanks to the beating from my exegetical) and I could see myself and say I want to desire God and his glory and his kingdom above all else.
How?
How?
Monday, August 4, 2008
Be Aggressive, B-E- Aggressive
Today I once again ran into passive-aggressive behavior. I have a friend in my new building who I had discussed sharing internet with. The problem was that too many people were on his network and slowing down the wireless connection. Instead of coming to me and saying sharing the internet will slow it down too much and it is not worth your money. He simply blocked all computers that are not in his apartment.
Why are we so afraid of being up front with people that we prefer to talk behind their backs and screw them without so much as the respect to talk to their face. Perhaps we prefer to be able to save face by pretending that we were unintentional with our attitude or actions towards them. I find that in the end we are simply afraid of confrontation or offending someone.
The problem with not being passive aggressive is the opposite is being verbally aggressive, which sounds much worse. It conjures images of verbal and emotional abuse, but that is not what it is. All it takes is being up-front and honest with a respectful tone, as opposed to stupid games behind people's backs and facebook groups. So as the cheerleaders at my high school said...Be Aggressive B--E-- Agressive.
Why are we so afraid of being up front with people that we prefer to talk behind their backs and screw them without so much as the respect to talk to their face. Perhaps we prefer to be able to save face by pretending that we were unintentional with our attitude or actions towards them. I find that in the end we are simply afraid of confrontation or offending someone.
The problem with not being passive aggressive is the opposite is being verbally aggressive, which sounds much worse. It conjures images of verbal and emotional abuse, but that is not what it is. All it takes is being up-front and honest with a respectful tone, as opposed to stupid games behind people's backs and facebook groups. So as the cheerleaders at my high school said...Be Aggressive B--E-- Agressive.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Do we actually care about what the Bible says?
It has been a while since I have posted anything, I have been debating whether or not I truly want to blog or just let the blog serve to update on Israel travels. I have decided as long as I am writing things, I might as well make them available to people who are interested in what I have to say (which I imagine is very few), and to those who randomly stumble onto my blog.
I have been volunteering in the Children's ministry at church for a few months now, and this past weekend found myself offended by the use of Scripture. On a quick side note I find most teaching to children in churches lacks any thoughtful preparation of Scripture for them. However the church I attend make a big deal about teaching Biblical truths about God to kids no matter there age. The topic for the morning was marriage, one of the passages that we used to instruct the kids was Ephesians 5. The part that the study guide used was only that husbands are to love wives as Christ loved the church. This is very true, however if we are going to use a passage of Scripture to teach on a topic, I find that we need to use the Scripture in its context, in order to accurately reflect what the text says.
I am convinced that if somone is going to teach on marraige out of Ephesians 5, he or she should mention the command given to wives in the passage, and spend some time looking at what the passage is saying it meant when Christ gave himself up for the church.
One of my favorite websites is WebMD, I can now diagnose and treat myself without going to a physician. All I do is look up whatever ails me, such as a back sprain, and figure out what I need to do to remedy my situation. I find this is how we use the Bible now. We pickout a topic that we do not understand and look at what the Bible has to say about it. (More than likely, in the same manner as WebMD, we use an internet Bible search too) The Bible was not written as a medical guide where a person can find a solution to a particular issue. It is written at a specific occasion to a particular audience, to serve a certain purpose. Which means that if we choose to find what it means or is speaking about we must not consider a sentence out of context without consideration of the intent of the author. We must search deeply into the context of the book and the Bible as a whole to understand what God is revealing to us in Scripture.
This is not just something that should be done when teaching children, this process needs to be evident in pulpits, homes, and lives of believers.
I have been volunteering in the Children's ministry at church for a few months now, and this past weekend found myself offended by the use of Scripture. On a quick side note I find most teaching to children in churches lacks any thoughtful preparation of Scripture for them. However the church I attend make a big deal about teaching Biblical truths about God to kids no matter there age. The topic for the morning was marriage, one of the passages that we used to instruct the kids was Ephesians 5. The part that the study guide used was only that husbands are to love wives as Christ loved the church. This is very true, however if we are going to use a passage of Scripture to teach on a topic, I find that we need to use the Scripture in its context, in order to accurately reflect what the text says.
I am convinced that if somone is going to teach on marraige out of Ephesians 5, he or she should mention the command given to wives in the passage, and spend some time looking at what the passage is saying it meant when Christ gave himself up for the church.
One of my favorite websites is WebMD, I can now diagnose and treat myself without going to a physician. All I do is look up whatever ails me, such as a back sprain, and figure out what I need to do to remedy my situation. I find this is how we use the Bible now. We pickout a topic that we do not understand and look at what the Bible has to say about it. (More than likely, in the same manner as WebMD, we use an internet Bible search too) The Bible was not written as a medical guide where a person can find a solution to a particular issue. It is written at a specific occasion to a particular audience, to serve a certain purpose. Which means that if we choose to find what it means or is speaking about we must not consider a sentence out of context without consideration of the intent of the author. We must search deeply into the context of the book and the Bible as a whole to understand what God is revealing to us in Scripture.
This is not just something that should be done when teaching children, this process needs to be evident in pulpits, homes, and lives of believers.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Almost Done
I will be in Israel for only about 7 more hours. It has been a whirlwind trip with a lot of long days, tough hikes, and information. I was able to pull off an A in the course which is pleasing and reduces the stress level, at least until I get to airport security. Did I say that we are leaving the hotel at 1:30 am for the airport. I am all packed up and under the weight restrictions even with souvenirs which is an answer to prayer. We had a clsing group time and some people were emotional, others were more contemplative, it was interesting.
I think there are two things that have been impressed on me while I have been in Israel. The first is the geography and how the stories of the Bible begin to make more sense when you see the places that it happened. I have seen pictures that are used to explain the text but it is different in person seeing the place and reading the story. I recommend that any believer come and experience the land.
The second thing that I leave here with is a greater disdain for idolatry. So many of the "Christian Holy sites" have been turned into shrines and places where pilgrimages are made. I find the idea of a place being holy contradictory to the Gospel. As a body of believers we have been made holy through the blood of Christ. No place whether it is the place of the Crucifixion, Resurrection, Last Supper, place where Peter denied Christ, where Mary was told she would bear God, the location of the Sermon on the Mount, the shore where Jesus told Peter to tend his sheep, Peter's house in Capernaum, Mount of transfiguration, plain where the feeding of the five thousand was, and the place of Jesus' birth. Those are all I can think of but there are probably more, not to mention several of these places are complete speculation and likely did not have the even occur there. I get sick to my stomach when I see how these places are worshiped instead of Christ himself. There is no reason that Peter's house in Capernaum should be turned into a church where pilgrimages that churches happen. That is clearly not what God is about.
Well that is all from Israel. I look forward to seeing people in America and maybe a baseball game, too.
I think there are two things that have been impressed on me while I have been in Israel. The first is the geography and how the stories of the Bible begin to make more sense when you see the places that it happened. I have seen pictures that are used to explain the text but it is different in person seeing the place and reading the story. I recommend that any believer come and experience the land.
The second thing that I leave here with is a greater disdain for idolatry. So many of the "Christian Holy sites" have been turned into shrines and places where pilgrimages are made. I find the idea of a place being holy contradictory to the Gospel. As a body of believers we have been made holy through the blood of Christ. No place whether it is the place of the Crucifixion, Resurrection, Last Supper, place where Peter denied Christ, where Mary was told she would bear God, the location of the Sermon on the Mount, the shore where Jesus told Peter to tend his sheep, Peter's house in Capernaum, Mount of transfiguration, plain where the feeding of the five thousand was, and the place of Jesus' birth. Those are all I can think of but there are probably more, not to mention several of these places are complete speculation and likely did not have the even occur there. I get sick to my stomach when I see how these places are worshiped instead of Christ himself. There is no reason that Peter's house in Capernaum should be turned into a church where pilgrimages that churches happen. That is clearly not what God is about.
Well that is all from Israel. I look forward to seeing people in America and maybe a baseball game, too.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Now In Jordan, for one more day
So internet has been hard to come by and if I had it Blogspot didn't want to work. Here are a few photos from recent days.
The Dead Sea was awesome, I don't remember the last time I floated on water. I also hiked up Masada, a Herodian fortress atop a hill overlooking the Dead Sea which was intense. On the same day we saw the spring at Engev, and Qumran, the city where the Dead Sea Scrolls were written. One privelage we had is our leader knows the location of the cave where the scrolls were found, he took most of us to the first cave and those who were able and felt like running behind him got to see Cave 2, there are 11 caves in all where scrolls were found. I followed him to cave 2 and according to him only about 100 people have ever been two Caves 1 and 2.
The trip to Galilee was really neat being able to swim in the evening and actually going to places where we know Jesus was. One of the coolest places was the Cove of the Sower. It is a cove on the Sea of Galilee with a sharp incline forming somewhat of an amphitheater from the top of the hill you could here the person reading Scripture on the shore probably about 150 yards away without him yelling. It is evident that Jeses would have used this cove which could hold close to 10,000 people.
Jordan has been fun, but not as interesting Biblically. Geresa was neat because Jordan has done a good job reconstructing and preserving the ruins of the Greco-Roman city. Petra was impressive although once again not Biblical. Although seeing the place where Indiana Jones found the Holy Grail was neat. I also went up to another impressive tomb that was an optional hike that was really neat, called The Monastery because Byzantine monks took it over and made it into a monastery. Another short optional hike took me to a viewpoint at a cliff where I was able because of rare clear conditions to see Israel. Finally today in Jordan we went up to Mt. Nebo where Moses watched the Israelites enter the Promised Land, but today was not clear.
Arbel Cliffs at the Sea of Galilee, we hiked down.
The Dead Sea was awesome, I don't remember the last time I floated on water. I also hiked up Masada, a Herodian fortress atop a hill overlooking the Dead Sea which was intense. On the same day we saw the spring at Engev, and Qumran, the city where the Dead Sea Scrolls were written. One privelage we had is our leader knows the location of the cave where the scrolls were found, he took most of us to the first cave and those who were able and felt like running behind him got to see Cave 2, there are 11 caves in all where scrolls were found. I followed him to cave 2 and according to him only about 100 people have ever been two Caves 1 and 2.
The trip to Galilee was really neat being able to swim in the evening and actually going to places where we know Jesus was. One of the coolest places was the Cove of the Sower. It is a cove on the Sea of Galilee with a sharp incline forming somewhat of an amphitheater from the top of the hill you could here the person reading Scripture on the shore probably about 150 yards away without him yelling. It is evident that Jeses would have used this cove which could hold close to 10,000 people.
Jordan has been fun, but not as interesting Biblically. Geresa was neat because Jordan has done a good job reconstructing and preserving the ruins of the Greco-Roman city. Petra was impressive although once again not Biblical. Although seeing the place where Indiana Jones found the Holy Grail was neat. I also went up to another impressive tomb that was an optional hike that was really neat, called The Monastery because Byzantine monks took it over and made it into a monastery. Another short optional hike took me to a viewpoint at a cliff where I was able because of rare clear conditions to see Israel. Finally today in Jordan we went up to Mt. Nebo where Moses watched the Israelites enter the Promised Land, but today was not clear.
Sunrise at Masada, Dead Sea below.
Arbel Cliffs at the Sea of Galilee, we hiked down.
Tunnel at Geresa, Jordan looking from the Theater to the Temple of Zeus.
Indiana Jones, now me. Really it is the Treasury at Petra, Jordan
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Crazy TImes
I haven't been able to get on in days. Today is on a time crunch hopefully tomorrow I will be able to give a full review of the last few days.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Day 8 and 9 Pictures
Day 8
Assyrian Siege Ramp
Assyrian Siege Ramp
Swimming in the MedDay 9
Zin Valley
Egypt in the foreground, just beyond that Israel, then the Red Sea, and on the other side of the Red Sea is Jordan.
Days 8 and 9
I did not have internet yesterday which accounts for the lack of a post. I will try to post some photos from the last two days but that will come when I wake up tomorrow I think. So here is the rundown.
On Tuesday we started at Tel Beth-Shemesh. This tel looks over the Sorek Valley. For those who remember the Sorek valley is important in the life of Sampson. He is born and buried in the valley and several other important events in his life occur here. Also Beth-Shemesh is a levitical city and this is where the Philistines returned the Ark of the Lord to Israel. This is also the location in which 70 men died because they opened the Ark.
After the Sorek Valley we went to the Elah Valley on top of Tel Azekah. This valley is famous for a story that eeryone know. David and Goliath. The Philistines were camped between Azekah and Socoh and the Israelites on the other side of the valley. David went down to the brook and got 5 smooth stones. I stopped by and got a few small sones of my own. The valley is also known for David hiding in the caves of Jormath.
After the Elah Valley we went to the Lacich Valley to Tel Lacich. This was one of the more impressive tels because it had Cananite temples, a Judean palace, and the only Assyrian siefe ramp that has been found in tact. Lacish is known Biblically for being a fortified city which was one of the last to fall against Babylon in 586 BC.
We ended the day by swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. It was fairly cold but refreshing on a hot day.
On Wednesday we started by going to Tel Ashdod. This tel had bronze age walls and houses. Along with an iron age fort and temple which were Judean. The temple had a holy of holies and an altar, which was against the law, along with two altars and incense burning stones. It is clear that this fort is breaking the law first of all by worshiping outside of the Temple and worshiping more than one God.
Following Ashdod we traveled to Tel Beer-Sheba. This Tel had an altar that had been dismantled showing that at one point the city worshiped outside of Jerusalem but reforms took place that changed it, which matches the Biblical record of King Hezekiah, the same guy who built the tunnel we went through.
The next stop was Nahal Zin, which simply means the valley of Zin. This was just a hiking stop for us through the canyon and then up the cliff. It was not too bad of a hike there were a lot stairs, handles, and ladders. It was beautiful and a fun stop.
After the hike we went to Mactesh Ramon which is a natural crater. It occurred because the ground bowed and then cracked allowing water to come in and erode the area. The crater was massive. All of this of course is occurring in the "Wilderness." The next stop was a random place in the wilderness just off the road where we had time to reflect and read the Bible, thinking about what it would be like to spend 40 years wandering.
Our last stop of the day was a viewpoint right next to the border with Egypt, I wa about 10 feet away. Also from here was a great view of the Red Sea and the border between Israel and Jordan. Tonight we are staying right next to the Red Sea and will be snorkeling first thing in the morining.
On Tuesday we started at Tel Beth-Shemesh. This tel looks over the Sorek Valley. For those who remember the Sorek valley is important in the life of Sampson. He is born and buried in the valley and several other important events in his life occur here. Also Beth-Shemesh is a levitical city and this is where the Philistines returned the Ark of the Lord to Israel. This is also the location in which 70 men died because they opened the Ark.
After the Sorek Valley we went to the Elah Valley on top of Tel Azekah. This valley is famous for a story that eeryone know. David and Goliath. The Philistines were camped between Azekah and Socoh and the Israelites on the other side of the valley. David went down to the brook and got 5 smooth stones. I stopped by and got a few small sones of my own. The valley is also known for David hiding in the caves of Jormath.
After the Elah Valley we went to the Lacich Valley to Tel Lacich. This was one of the more impressive tels because it had Cananite temples, a Judean palace, and the only Assyrian siefe ramp that has been found in tact. Lacish is known Biblically for being a fortified city which was one of the last to fall against Babylon in 586 BC.
We ended the day by swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. It was fairly cold but refreshing on a hot day.
On Wednesday we started by going to Tel Ashdod. This tel had bronze age walls and houses. Along with an iron age fort and temple which were Judean. The temple had a holy of holies and an altar, which was against the law, along with two altars and incense burning stones. It is clear that this fort is breaking the law first of all by worshiping outside of the Temple and worshiping more than one God.
Following Ashdod we traveled to Tel Beer-Sheba. This Tel had an altar that had been dismantled showing that at one point the city worshiped outside of Jerusalem but reforms took place that changed it, which matches the Biblical record of King Hezekiah, the same guy who built the tunnel we went through.
The next stop was Nahal Zin, which simply means the valley of Zin. This was just a hiking stop for us through the canyon and then up the cliff. It was not too bad of a hike there were a lot stairs, handles, and ladders. It was beautiful and a fun stop.
After the hike we went to Mactesh Ramon which is a natural crater. It occurred because the ground bowed and then cracked allowing water to come in and erode the area. The crater was massive. All of this of course is occurring in the "Wilderness." The next stop was a random place in the wilderness just off the road where we had time to reflect and read the Bible, thinking about what it would be like to spend 40 years wandering.
Our last stop of the day was a viewpoint right next to the border with Egypt, I wa about 10 feet away. Also from here was a great view of the Red Sea and the border between Israel and Jordan. Tonight we are staying right next to the Red Sea and will be snorkeling first thing in the morining.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Quick Report of Day 7
Today was a test and free day, although I think that is contradictory. I did well on the test only missed two. For the free day I went to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and saw the traditional site of Jesus' death and resurrection. It was not moving because it is a church and there is little semblance of any history there at all other than the history of that church. After this I went up to a viewpoint near the hotel at David's Tower, it was built by Herod and has nothing to do with David. Great view. The place also had ruins from teh first wall of Jerusalem built by the Hasmonians circa 160 BC. It also had houses from that time period. On top of the houses were large stones that could possibly be the foundation for Herod's palace.
After the tower I had lunch and then went to the Israel Museum for the second time on this trip. I went because when we visited the first time they were about to open an exhibit which had the Isaiah A scroll. This is an extremely important scroll. It is the oldest scroll of a complete book 120 BC, and the secon longest 250 cm. It was very interesting seeing the Hebrew words, a few that I could make out although it was difficult because they did not provide vowel pointing at that time. I caught a few words. It was also interesting to see scribal corrections and damaged areas. This is the first time the scroll has been placed on display in forty years, so it was well worth the trip. While leaving I saw they had an art portion that was "Orphaned Art." It was an exhibit of art that was stolen by the Nazis during the Holocaust and was able to be claimed by people. it included a couple of Monets, a Manet, a Renoir, and some other important artists. On the bottom floor while leaving I noticed a side room with some artifacts, I went in to fine the Tel Dan Stele. This is the only extra-Biblical evidence that we have of a Davidic line of kings. It is extremely important when validating the Bible as a historic account. After the Museum I went shopping and then to dinner and a lecture.
This could be my last post for a few days because internet access will be questionable in the hotels over the next four days.
After the tower I had lunch and then went to the Israel Museum for the second time on this trip. I went because when we visited the first time they were about to open an exhibit which had the Isaiah A scroll. This is an extremely important scroll. It is the oldest scroll of a complete book 120 BC, and the secon longest 250 cm. It was very interesting seeing the Hebrew words, a few that I could make out although it was difficult because they did not provide vowel pointing at that time. I caught a few words. It was also interesting to see scribal corrections and damaged areas. This is the first time the scroll has been placed on display in forty years, so it was well worth the trip. While leaving I saw they had an art portion that was "Orphaned Art." It was an exhibit of art that was stolen by the Nazis during the Holocaust and was able to be claimed by people. it included a couple of Monets, a Manet, a Renoir, and some other important artists. On the bottom floor while leaving I noticed a side room with some artifacts, I went in to fine the Tel Dan Stele. This is the only extra-Biblical evidence that we have of a Davidic line of kings. It is extremely important when validating the Bible as a historic account. After the Museum I went shopping and then to dinner and a lecture.
This could be my last post for a few days because internet access will be questionable in the hotels over the next four days.
Day 6
Gezer Solomon Gate 
Not a lot of pictures for this day because they aren't very interesting. We started out at Gezer which is in the Shephelah, rolling hills area west of Judah. At Gezer, was a Tel which had remains from a gate of Solomon. This matches the story in the Bible where Solomon fortifies Gezer along with Hazzor and Miggeddo.
After Gezer we went up onto the Beth-Horan Ridge Route, a roud taken from the West to Jerusalem, one of only two ancient routes taken. We took pictures and read the story of Joshua chasing the Caananites from Gibeon.
We next went up to a view point where we saw the Central Benjamin Plateau. Here we saw where the cities of Gibeon, Ramah, Gibeah (Saul's birthplace), and Mizpah. After lunch we went to the pass which is between Geba and Michmash, it is a kilt that is not very steep that is in two Bible stories, one with Jonathan the other a prophecy of Isaiah.
After this we went up to Shiloh and saw where the Tabernacle stayed for 300 years. The Tel did not have many excavations. The one of interest had houses from the time of the Tabernacle. Also at Shiloh, the Benjamites came and took wives from girls that were dancing at a festival.
Not a lot of pictures for this day because they aren't very interesting. We started out at Gezer which is in the Shephelah, rolling hills area west of Judah. At Gezer, was a Tel which had remains from a gate of Solomon. This matches the story in the Bible where Solomon fortifies Gezer along with Hazzor and Miggeddo.
After Gezer we went up onto the Beth-Horan Ridge Route, a roud taken from the West to Jerusalem, one of only two ancient routes taken. We took pictures and read the story of Joshua chasing the Caananites from Gibeon.
We next went up to a view point where we saw the Central Benjamin Plateau. Here we saw where the cities of Gibeon, Ramah, Gibeah (Saul's birthplace), and Mizpah. After lunch we went to the pass which is between Geba and Michmash, it is a kilt that is not very steep that is in two Bible stories, one with Jonathan the other a prophecy of Isaiah.
After this we went up to Shiloh and saw where the Tabernacle stayed for 300 years. The Tel did not have many excavations. The one of interest had houses from the time of the Tabernacle. Also at Shiloh, the Benjamites came and took wives from girls that were dancing at a festival.
Day 5 Continued
Solomon's Pools, really reservoirs bilt by Herod.
The tome og King Herod at Herodium.
Jericho supporting walls.
Me at the wilderness viewpoint.
Day 5 was probably the craziest day so far. It took 12 and a half hours to go from hotel back to hotel. I took 140 pictures and I don't like to take pictures. We started by going to the Mount of Olives. Here we looked at a new angle of Jerusalem and discussed the topography and what areas we could see. While on the Mount of Olives we went down to another good view point this time at a church which marked the place where Jesus wept. At this same location we found estuaries dating back to Jesus' time. An estuary is a box that is as wide as the widest bone of the body, the skull, and as long as the longest, the femur (thigh-bone). While still on the Mount of Olives we descended a little further to the Garden of Gathsemene. We saw olive trees which would have been similar to the trees Jesus was near. THe location may not have been exactly right but it was near. Ther is a Catholic Church at this location which marks the stone where Jesus prayed to the Father right before he was arrested. Once again I think that the churches that are built upon these locations for one makes it difficult to know because it prevents the search for archeaological evidence, two they make shrine and idols out of them which pervert the weight of the sight and make it into a side show.
After the Mount of Olives we hopped onto a bus and drove to Herodium, a fortress and Palace of King Herod. It was an interesting site which gave a good view of Bethlehem and Tekoa, the home of Amos for those who remember the minor prophet. Also at this site was the tomb of Herod which is a very important archaeological site.
Following Herodium we went to Bethlehem. Here we stopped at the traditional location of Jesus' birht. At this site was built a Greek Orthodox and Catholic church. The cave at which Jesus was born has a star at the exact location. I think this very well could be the actual place, because of a very early tradition, but once again they have, in my mind, ruined the location by turning into a shrine. When you enter it feels nothing like a cave or a place Jesus was born but instead like some legalistic ritual that can clear away sin. The thing I found more interesting at the site was the cave in which the Christian Theologian Jerome lived and wrote. It was here that he learned Hebrew so he could translate the Bible into Latin.
After Bethlehem we went up into the hills just south of it to fine Solomon's Pools, which were really reservoirs built by King Herod to bring water to Jerusalem through aqueducts. They were impressive in size but not entirely relevant to the Bible.
After Jerusalem we stopped at another viewpoint south of Jerusalem for some pictures but quickly moved on to Jericho. At Jericho we saw the Tel (a location where a city was built then destroyed, then another city, and so on creating a large mound) which was formerly Jericho. We saw teh supporting wall for the city walls. Then we saw an ancient Tower dating to 6000 BC. Also in the excavations we found a pot burned, just as Joshua said they did to the city after the walls fell. The pots like this that they found had grain in them showing that it was likey at harvest time, matching the Bible, and that it was not a long siege, also mathcing the Biblical story. Also in jericho we went and looked at the remains of one of Herod's palace. It was massive strecthing from one side of a kilt (canyon or valley with steep sides) with a bridge that would have connected them. This was his favorite palace according to historical sources.
Following Jericho we drove up to a viewpoint of the wilderness of Judah. It was beautiful especially with the sun setting at the time.
The tome og King Herod at Herodium.
Jericho supporting walls.
Me at the wilderness viewpoint.
Day 5 was probably the craziest day so far. It took 12 and a half hours to go from hotel back to hotel. I took 140 pictures and I don't like to take pictures. We started by going to the Mount of Olives. Here we looked at a new angle of Jerusalem and discussed the topography and what areas we could see. While on the Mount of Olives we went down to another good view point this time at a church which marked the place where Jesus wept. At this same location we found estuaries dating back to Jesus' time. An estuary is a box that is as wide as the widest bone of the body, the skull, and as long as the longest, the femur (thigh-bone). While still on the Mount of Olives we descended a little further to the Garden of Gathsemene. We saw olive trees which would have been similar to the trees Jesus was near. THe location may not have been exactly right but it was near. Ther is a Catholic Church at this location which marks the stone where Jesus prayed to the Father right before he was arrested. Once again I think that the churches that are built upon these locations for one makes it difficult to know because it prevents the search for archeaological evidence, two they make shrine and idols out of them which pervert the weight of the sight and make it into a side show.
After the Mount of Olives we hopped onto a bus and drove to Herodium, a fortress and Palace of King Herod. It was an interesting site which gave a good view of Bethlehem and Tekoa, the home of Amos for those who remember the minor prophet. Also at this site was the tomb of Herod which is a very important archaeological site.
Following Herodium we went to Bethlehem. Here we stopped at the traditional location of Jesus' birht. At this site was built a Greek Orthodox and Catholic church. The cave at which Jesus was born has a star at the exact location. I think this very well could be the actual place, because of a very early tradition, but once again they have, in my mind, ruined the location by turning into a shrine. When you enter it feels nothing like a cave or a place Jesus was born but instead like some legalistic ritual that can clear away sin. The thing I found more interesting at the site was the cave in which the Christian Theologian Jerome lived and wrote. It was here that he learned Hebrew so he could translate the Bible into Latin.
After Bethlehem we went up into the hills just south of it to fine Solomon's Pools, which were really reservoirs built by King Herod to bring water to Jerusalem through aqueducts. They were impressive in size but not entirely relevant to the Bible.
After Jerusalem we stopped at another viewpoint south of Jerusalem for some pictures but quickly moved on to Jericho. At Jericho we saw the Tel (a location where a city was built then destroyed, then another city, and so on creating a large mound) which was formerly Jericho. We saw teh supporting wall for the city walls. Then we saw an ancient Tower dating to 6000 BC. Also in the excavations we found a pot burned, just as Joshua said they did to the city after the walls fell. The pots like this that they found had grain in them showing that it was likey at harvest time, matching the Bible, and that it was not a long siege, also mathcing the Biblical story. Also in jericho we went and looked at the remains of one of Herod's palace. It was massive strecthing from one side of a kilt (canyon or valley with steep sides) with a bridge that would have connected them. This was his favorite palace according to historical sources.
Following Jericho we drove up to a viewpoint of the wilderness of Judah. It was beautiful especially with the sun setting at the time.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Day 5 Extra Photos
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Day 5
From the Mount of Olives looking westward at Jerusalem. Dome of the Rock in the foreground, blue domes up and to the left is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Garden of Gethsemane, likely in very close location to where Jesus would have been during prayer and arrest.
The traditional birthplace of Jesus, kind of ruined by the church which operates and turned into a shrine, people bend down and kiss the star which is supposedly the exact place Mary gave birth to Jesus.
The Judean Wilderness, not where Jews wandered, this is in the Promised Lands, it is where David hid from Saul and Jesus went to be tempted. Of course not necessarily this picture but in an area with the same characteristics.
Day 5 was extremely busy and in my opinion the coolest so far. Since I spent tonight updating the last two days which I was too exhausted to write about when I got home then, I am only going to post a few pictures and save the description of the day's activities and my thoughts for tomorrow since the evening will be more free. I took over 140 photos today so I think it would be better to get an extra post of picture which helps rationalize a smaller post tonight. There are only two more days in Jerusalem, then we will head south.
The Garden of Gethsemane, likely in very close location to where Jesus would have been during prayer and arrest.
The traditional birthplace of Jesus, kind of ruined by the church which operates and turned into a shrine, people bend down and kiss the star which is supposedly the exact place Mary gave birth to Jesus.
The Judean Wilderness, not where Jews wandered, this is in the Promised Lands, it is where David hid from Saul and Jesus went to be tempted. Of course not necessarily this picture but in an area with the same characteristics.
Day 5 was extremely busy and in my opinion the coolest so far. Since I spent tonight updating the last two days which I was too exhausted to write about when I got home then, I am only going to post a few pictures and save the description of the day's activities and my thoughts for tomorrow since the evening will be more free. I took over 140 photos today so I think it would be better to get an extra post of picture which helps rationalize a smaller post tonight. There are only two more days in Jerusalem, then we will head south.
Day 4
Robinson's arch which would have supported a massive staircase going to the Temple Mount. Located on the Western Wall near the southwest corner.
Ritual bath outside the Temple Mount which Jews would have used to become ritually cleansed.
The Double Gate on the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount. The frame and structural support are from the original construction. Jesus would more than likely have passed through this gate.
The Garden Tomb, not where Jesus was buried although a very nice tomb from Old Testament times. Supposedly there is a cross carved into the side but I think you can find most shapes with all the cracks.
Day 4 seemed a little easiet than the earlier days. We began at the Souther Temple Mount Excavations. Here we saw the remnants of what the area around the Temple Mount would have looked like the days of Jesus including part of a broken arch which would have had a staircase leading into the Temple mount, also the stairs on teh southern side which most people would have used for access with two gates a double gate, which is mostly blocked but half of one of the two entries in the gate. Some of the original stones from the gate are there although it has been fixed and blocked, this gate would have been the exit from the Mount. The other gate, a triple gate was the entrance, only one of the original stones is left. The stone at the left edge of teh gate is an original frame stone. There were other excavations here from teh Hasmonian (Maccabees) period that were interesting but not necessary for a Biblical understanding.
After this we went to the Israel museum and say a model, 1/50 size, of 2nd Temple Period(Herod to Roman Destruction in 70 AD). Also at this museum we saw the Shrine of the Book which has portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We missed the lare portions of the most important scroll, the Isaiah A scroll by 3 days, meaning on my free day on Monday I will go and see it.
From the museum we went to tombs dating back to the Old Testament. The tombs were very interesting because they had slabs where they would lay the body and then after one year they would come back and take the bones and place them in another area of the tomb so that they could place other family members on the slabs. It was in one of these tombs that they found the oldest manuscript of Scripture, a small silver scroll of the High Priestly prayer in Deuteronomy dating back to 700 BC. We then went to another tomb which is the only tomb from Jesus' time that has been found with a rolling stone.
From the tombs we had a quick, late lunch on our way to the garden tomb and Gordon's calvary. Gordon's calvary is a possible site of the crucifixion. A man named Gordon went to Jerusalem in the 1800s and was appalled at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and found it inside of the sitiy walls, and the Bible says he was crucified outside of the city walls. So Gordon thought that the cross and tomb could not have been at this site. He then went around looking for other possible locations and found a hill outside of the gates that on the side looked like a skull, which matched well with his understanding of the Bible. Also on this same hill is a tomb which has a trough for a stone to roll and a tomb. The problem with this being the site of Jesus death and resurrection is first of all a very late tradition, only about 150 years, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre would have been outside of the city walls in Jesus' day, and the tomb dates to the Old Testament. It is a nice tomb and a good presentation by Christian guides which are rare in Jerusalem. Many Protestants have held strongly to this site in recent years but contextually the case for the site as the actual place of Jesus death and burial is very unlikely. It is however likely that it could be the location of Stephen's stoning in Acts.
Ritual bath outside the Temple Mount which Jews would have used to become ritually cleansed.
The Double Gate on the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount. The frame and structural support are from the original construction. Jesus would more than likely have passed through this gate.
The Garden Tomb, not where Jesus was buried although a very nice tomb from Old Testament times. Supposedly there is a cross carved into the side but I think you can find most shapes with all the cracks.
Day 4 seemed a little easiet than the earlier days. We began at the Souther Temple Mount Excavations. Here we saw the remnants of what the area around the Temple Mount would have looked like the days of Jesus including part of a broken arch which would have had a staircase leading into the Temple mount, also the stairs on teh southern side which most people would have used for access with two gates a double gate, which is mostly blocked but half of one of the two entries in the gate. Some of the original stones from the gate are there although it has been fixed and blocked, this gate would have been the exit from the Mount. The other gate, a triple gate was the entrance, only one of the original stones is left. The stone at the left edge of teh gate is an original frame stone. There were other excavations here from teh Hasmonian (Maccabees) period that were interesting but not necessary for a Biblical understanding.
After this we went to the Israel museum and say a model, 1/50 size, of 2nd Temple Period(Herod to Roman Destruction in 70 AD). Also at this museum we saw the Shrine of the Book which has portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We missed the lare portions of the most important scroll, the Isaiah A scroll by 3 days, meaning on my free day on Monday I will go and see it.
From the museum we went to tombs dating back to the Old Testament. The tombs were very interesting because they had slabs where they would lay the body and then after one year they would come back and take the bones and place them in another area of the tomb so that they could place other family members on the slabs. It was in one of these tombs that they found the oldest manuscript of Scripture, a small silver scroll of the High Priestly prayer in Deuteronomy dating back to 700 BC. We then went to another tomb which is the only tomb from Jesus' time that has been found with a rolling stone.
From the tombs we had a quick, late lunch on our way to the garden tomb and Gordon's calvary. Gordon's calvary is a possible site of the crucifixion. A man named Gordon went to Jerusalem in the 1800s and was appalled at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and found it inside of the sitiy walls, and the Bible says he was crucified outside of the city walls. So Gordon thought that the cross and tomb could not have been at this site. He then went around looking for other possible locations and found a hill outside of the gates that on the side looked like a skull, which matched well with his understanding of the Bible. Also on this same hill is a tomb which has a trough for a stone to roll and a tomb. The problem with this being the site of Jesus death and resurrection is first of all a very late tradition, only about 150 years, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre would have been outside of the city walls in Jesus' day, and the tomb dates to the Old Testament. It is a nice tomb and a good presentation by Christian guides which are rare in Jerusalem. Many Protestants have held strongly to this site in recent years but contextually the case for the site as the actual place of Jesus death and burial is very unlikely. It is however likely that it could be the location of Stephen's stoning in Acts.
Day 3 Continued
1st Century Street, likely Jesus would have walked here, new excavation not open to public but our guide had a connection.
Location of Upper Room, not the original Upper Room though.
Western Wall Excavations, largest stone in Temple Mount about 50 feet long, they estimate 577 tons, 3rd largest stone in the world, only one not touching the ground.
So here is the actual rundown of Day 3. We started by going to the Temple Mount. I felt very uneasy the entire time there. Something about the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque being on top of the Temple Mount seemed terribly wrong, that and street cleaners cleaning it, the paving over of gates and removal of part of the Mount. It just seemed wrong for place that the Temple of the Lord stood. I also felt wierd because had the Temple been there I would not have been able to go to the places I went because I am a Gentile. Although that thought comes in conflict with Jesus' death removing the need of the Temple.
Next we went to the City of David, the original Jerusalem that David would have encountered when he took it over from the Jebusites. We went through Hezekiel's tunnel which took water from the Gihoam Spring to the western side of the City of David. It was about a third of a mile walk through a foot and half of water, barely enough room for shoulders to pass by, and rarely a ceiling of more than six feet. Nevertheless it was very cool, if I can get a faster internet connection I will try to post a video I took while in the tunnel. The tunnel lead us to the Pool of Shiloam where the blind man went to wash his eyes that Jesus covered with mud in John 9. Also we got to see a 1st Century road that most tour groups don't see because it is a newer excavation, however our tour guide knew the archiologists so they showed us. They also sold me a Roman coin from Jesus' time for about 15 dollars. From there we went to another archeological site that showed a support structure possibly for David's Palace, along with a 1st Century house among other things.
After the City of David we had lunch and then went to see the supposed Tomb of David although it is not the tomb because it is in the wrong location Biblically. Just by chance this tomb is on the first floor and the traditional Upper Room location is on the second floor. The room dates to the Middle Ages but it is built in the lovation that is historically understood as the Upper Room. This site is more likely, while not hard fact. I personally can accept it from the proof we have.
After this stop we went to the Western hill and saw excavations of homes from the Herodian Period. Even though they were just the basement floor they were impressive. After dinner we came back to the same area and went to the Western Wall excavations which give a tour of the tunnels under a Muslim neighborhood of excavations of the entire Western Wall of the Temple Mount. It was fascinating to see well preserved portions of the wall, which showed the amount of work done to build the Mount. There was also a prayer area at the point in the wall which is closest to where the Holy of Holies would have been.
Location of Upper Room, not the original Upper Room though.
Western Wall Excavations, largest stone in Temple Mount about 50 feet long, they estimate 577 tons, 3rd largest stone in the world, only one not touching the ground.
So here is the actual rundown of Day 3. We started by going to the Temple Mount. I felt very uneasy the entire time there. Something about the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque being on top of the Temple Mount seemed terribly wrong, that and street cleaners cleaning it, the paving over of gates and removal of part of the Mount. It just seemed wrong for place that the Temple of the Lord stood. I also felt wierd because had the Temple been there I would not have been able to go to the places I went because I am a Gentile. Although that thought comes in conflict with Jesus' death removing the need of the Temple.
Next we went to the City of David, the original Jerusalem that David would have encountered when he took it over from the Jebusites. We went through Hezekiel's tunnel which took water from the Gihoam Spring to the western side of the City of David. It was about a third of a mile walk through a foot and half of water, barely enough room for shoulders to pass by, and rarely a ceiling of more than six feet. Nevertheless it was very cool, if I can get a faster internet connection I will try to post a video I took while in the tunnel. The tunnel lead us to the Pool of Shiloam where the blind man went to wash his eyes that Jesus covered with mud in John 9. Also we got to see a 1st Century road that most tour groups don't see because it is a newer excavation, however our tour guide knew the archiologists so they showed us. They also sold me a Roman coin from Jesus' time for about 15 dollars. From there we went to another archeological site that showed a support structure possibly for David's Palace, along with a 1st Century house among other things.
After the City of David we had lunch and then went to see the supposed Tomb of David although it is not the tomb because it is in the wrong location Biblically. Just by chance this tomb is on the first floor and the traditional Upper Room location is on the second floor. The room dates to the Middle Ages but it is built in the lovation that is historically understood as the Upper Room. This site is more likely, while not hard fact. I personally can accept it from the proof we have.
After this stop we went to the Western hill and saw excavations of homes from the Herodian Period. Even though they were just the basement floor they were impressive. After dinner we came back to the same area and went to the Western Wall excavations which give a tour of the tunnels under a Muslim neighborhood of excavations of the entire Western Wall of the Temple Mount. It was fascinating to see well preserved portions of the wall, which showed the amount of work done to build the Mount. There was also a prayer area at the point in the wall which is closest to where the Holy of Holies would have been.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Day 3
Just a short post for now, there is much more to be said, and many more pictures, these are just from the morning. Today was rigorous, especially Hezekiah's tunnel, 1/3 of a mile crouching. More details and photos and maybe a video to come.
Me on the Temple Mount
The City of David (Original Jerusalem)
Inside Hezekiah's Tunnel
Pool of Siloam (Where the blind man washed his eyes in John 9
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Day 2
Overlooking the Old City, Dome of the Rock behind
Western Wall
Me at Western Wall
Man Praying at Western Wall, Prayers shoved into cracks in the wall.
Broad Wall
Today was a busy day, with a ton of information and sights. My camera battery died about 2/3 way through the day, so some interesting pictures were missed. Thankfully I will be able to get pictures of most of those sights in future days.
We started the day by looking east of the Old City. The Old City is the part of Jerusalem which is surrounded by walls built during the 1500s. We saw the Hotel that President Bush is staying at right now because it is the 6oth Anniversary of Israel becoming a nation. Then we went to the top of a formerly nice hotel, now a hostel, to get a view of the Old City and talk about basic geography.
After this we traveled to the Western Wall. This is the holiest site for Judaism. It is the western wall of the Temple Mount built by Herod the Great in the 1st Century B.C. It is not the wall of the Temple. The Temple was on top of the Temple Mount, also called Mt. Moriah or the Eastern Hill, it is the place which is now occupied by the Dome of the Rock, golden dome. The wall is divided into two areas, one for men and one for women, because it is considered a synagogue an orthodox synagogues divide the congregation for services. The men's are is much larger and has a portion that is covered where one can see the original street level and an arch that was once part of a bridge from the Temple mount to the Western hill. Between the two is the central valley which is no longer a valley because it has been filled in with hundreds of years of debris and construction. The wall is shorter now than Herod built it, probably by 10 to 15 feet. The destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. destroyed a large portion of the Temple Mount as well.
From here we went to the Cardo Road which was the main road in Jerusalem during the Roman period, post 70. It still divides the city but is only an alley now, during the Roman Period it would have been 4 to 5 times wider. I did not take pictures of this because the camera was starting to die and it has no relevance to Biblical Jerusalem. We are lunch at the ruins. We then saw the ruins of the broad wall of Hezekiah, it establishes the northern boundary of 2nd Temple Jeeusalem. It was a massive wall 20 feet thick 30 feet tall. It is on the north side because Jerusalem has valleys to the east, south, and west making all attacks come from the north.
From here we walked all the way up the Cardo to the Damascus Gate. We climbed up inside of the gate to the top of the wall, we walked the wall getting view of many sites on both sides of the wall including, what some people consider the place of Jesus' crucifixion and burial, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Mount of Olives. which then led us to Saint Stephens Gate.
From the wall we went to the pools of Bethesda and St. Anne's church, the only Crusader Church left. After this we wend down the Via de la Rosa, which is supposedly the way Jesus went carrying the cross but the starting point is likely not true.
The trip finished at the Church of the Sepulchre, which is the historically viewed site of the crucifixion and resurrection. It is a church which has several different chapels for different sects of Christianity none of which are Protestant. I was unable to take pictures because of the camera battery but will be going back later, at which point I wll post pictures of both possible location of the death of Jesus and my opinion.
That was the end of a busy day which had a ton of walking. Now to bed and off to the Temple Mount tomorrow at 7:45.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Day 1
I made it to Israel today. The security at the Tel Aviv Airport was impressive. There are not a lot of pictures to be shown, what I do have is from the drive from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Coastal Plain
Rolling Hills area, there is a Hebrew name for it but I was too jetlagged to remember.
Hill Counrty
Joffa Gate to get into Old City
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Off to Israel!
I will be taking a three week course in Israel called A Field Study of the Bible. I leave tomorrow, May12 and come back on June 2nd. Check back here for updates and pictures.
Welcome
Hello Everyone, this is Andy Shurson's Blog. I hope to post thoughts and insights as well as other things on this page. There is a reason for the title and it will come in a later blog.
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