Holy Land Day 6 Jerusalem

This photo slideshow made with Smilebox

The "old city" is divided into three sections...a small Christian section,
the Jewish section, and the Muslim section, which houses the beautiful Dome of the Rock.

We began this day at the West Wall of Herod's Temple...at least what is left of this magnificent temple. You know this better as The "Wailing Wall" or the Jews' Holy of Holies. Immediately the ladies separate from the men and each pray and tuck prayers into crevices in the wall.

Though the Israeli control this land, the Muslims hold the prominent structures atop the uppermost part of the area. One is a mosque left when the Crusaders were driven out of Jerusalem. This left many questions as to what happened to the Ark of the Covenant. Non- Muslims are not even able to visit the Mosque at this time.

Neither is any non Muslim able to enter the Dome of the Rock. This beautiful sctructure is not a mosque, but a Muslim Holy Place that commemorates where Abraham ascended into Heaven. Jews also recognize this place as where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac, and the large rock is covered by this structure. They are saying that next year, the Dome will open its doors to visitors.

From there, we walked to the Pools of Bethesda, which have long since been dry. In Jesus' time it was a large spring area and pools for cleaning of animals, purification for people, and healing waters for the sick. This is where Jesus performed the Miracle of healing the man who had been afflicted for over 38 years. Here, at this site, Pastor Sydney annointed those of us who were asking for healing for ourselves and others. During the annointing 3 Nigerians walked up to Dean and asked if they could also be annointed by our Pastor...what a moment for all of us...especially, Dean. I believe this was his God moment on this trip.

We went into St. Anne's Church, to sing like angels. I have never heard acoustics like that place. After a visit down into the ancient pools, and ruins of the church that once covered them...it was on to the Via Dolorosa.

We passed the Triumphal Arch which has been completely sealed by the Muslims, and by St. Stephen's Gate, which was the site of the stoning of Stephen. Through this smaller gate, the Christians of today can enter the city on during their Palm Sunday celebrations.

Then, it was the Via Dolorosa, or at least where we are to remember His walk. I must admit, that the narrow road could definitely have been the path, but it was so hard to continue remembering, because of the noise of the Muslim marketplace, and the extravagances of the churches that cover the spots. The Holy Sepulchchre Church housed the stone that was supposed to be the one where they laid Jesus, when he was taken from the cross. It is annointed each day with oil, and can be touched and prayed over by visitors.

When we arrived at the Garden Tomb, it was easier to visualize this spot as Golgotha. It would have faced the Damascus Road, which would have been extremely busy at that time. The Romans would have wanted the crucifixions to be very visible, and this place would suffice, plus the mountain resembled a skull.

Also, the garden tomb was the right distance away. With the existence of the wine press, and a large cistern, the "working" garden (vineyard) could point to this being the actual tomb. We held communion there, and meditated in this beautiful spot.

The most memorable moments of today came at the Pools of Bethesda. Jesus asks us, "Are you ready to be healed?" Well...are we? Are we ready to leave behind the things that hold us to this world? All we have to do is say.."Heal me, Lord"...He will, and our lives will never be the same, again.