Such an inspiring morning and then we found ourselves being directed towards a Roman restaurant, upstairs in a mall. Who knew! When in Rome do as the Romans do! We looked cute in our togas (well, some of us did) and some wore olive wreath crowns. We ate Roman style except not all of us could recline or perhaps more like, we wouldn't recline. I didn't enjoy this! Even when they carried the sort of naked lady overhead thru the dining area, I was not entertained. I did enjoy the bread cubes dipped in the sauces and of course I was with Jim. Have to admit everything we did thru out our trip in the middle east, was an experience!
The morning of March 15th, our guide took us to a lookout point and told us that across the valley was Bethlehem. It was sad to think we had come so close but were still so far from the place our Savior was born. Because of so much turmoil we could not enter Bethlehem; we could only look at the view. The little town of Bethlehem looked much bigger than the town we sing about. However flashes of pictures we had seen as though looking in an album, crossed our minds. The thoughts of our Savior's meager beginnings come to life.
A little further on in our journey, we stopped at a market. We browsed a little then stepped outdoors facing yet another view. We were on the Mount of Olives! Here is where Jesus would come to weep and pray over His beloved city; Jerusalem! "And when He approached, He saw the city and wept over it saying; If you had known to this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. For the days shall come upon you when your enemies will throw up a bank before you, and surround you and hem you in on every side." Luke 19:41-42 Sounds like today, doesn't it?
Between Jerusalem and the Mt of Olives there is a rather deep ravine called the Kidron Valley. The Kidron brook runs through it. This is the valley that kings and prophets of Israel and Judah walked. Men like David; Solomon, Hezekiah; Elijah and Elisha.
To the south of the city there is another ravine called the Valley of the Lepers. There are caves in the walls of this ravine where people with leprosy had to go to live out their lives. Away from family and friends! The Lord said; "Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one having a discharge, and every one that is unclean through contact with the dead; You shall put out both male and female, putting them outside the camp, that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell." Numbers 5:2-3 Could these be those who could be likened to sin of which God could not associate with? "And behold, a leper came to Him and knelt before Him, saying; Lord, if you will, you can make me clean. And He stretched out His hand and touched him saying; I will; Be clean! And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." Matthew 8:2-3 Christ came that we might have life and have it more abundantly!
Having been a layman scholar of God's word for most of my life and with Jim in our married life, walking through these places is like a vivid declaration that is being brought to life; jumping right out of the scriptures and feeding our souls with food never tasted before.
Having read, studied, along with discussing our thoughts and our think so's, not to mention the questions unanswered; were laid wide open before us as we continued to walk where Jesus walked. Thank you Lord; Thank you Lord; Thank you Lord for the experience to see first hand the places you walked, talked, healed, and comforted those who were to play a large role in your kingdom and for those who would follow. Even so many years later, here we are; wanting to know more; wanting to understand; wanting to be the servant of all. Amen! "And He sat down and called the twelve; and He said to them; "If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." Mark 9:35 Where do you stand among the followers of Christ? Where is your heart? Think on these things as we come closer to the Savior! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 9/25/09
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