Kay Hutchinson's Journal
God's Treasure Chest
Page Two
Israel Trip - February, 2000
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The next layer in the treasure chest is just around the corner as we see the Valley of Ruth and Boaz. Couldn't help but think of Rick (our pastor) and his wonderful recent teachings from the book of Ruth, about authentic faith and how it is revealed.
Next, the bus travels to Herodia (Herod's palace). It is a phenomenal place today, and I find it difficult to imagine how grand it must have been in Herod's day. There is an upper and lower palace where in Mark 6:17 we're told Salome (Herodia's daughter) dances for the head of John the Baptist. Herod was a genius who was very much "in the dark". He actually stored enough food for 200 years because he thought he would live forever...if only he had truly listened to the message of John the Baptist.
This magnificent palace is a chilling reminder of how foolish men can be when absorbed in their own greatness and how temporal that can be when compared with God's gift of eternity! My mind is reflecting on these things as I stand at the top of the mountain where far in the distance I can see the Dead Sea and see where Abraham went to Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot's wife was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). What a blessing that God has been preparing us for even this brief moment of the trip through Bob's teaching in Summit Seekers.
As I'm standing here listening to our guide, God gives me another little "jewel" to ponder. Saad has such a vast knowledge of scripture - exact chapter and verse and yet he isn't a Christian. I am humbled and convicted of heart to first of all be reminded of how little I know of God's word . . . yet, also be reminded of how much I can know God's word and not really know the Savior - having that intimate relationship with God through not merely reading, but . . .
*** knowing His word and praying (communicating) without ceasing is vital to my Christian walk as His daughter!
The gifts in the treasure chest keep mounting as we travel to the church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. One of the first things that catches your eye is the size of the entry door. It is small and positioned in such a way that you must bow (lower) your head and almost kneel to enter. Seems an appropriate way to enter the area where our Savior was born. There is a large crowd here and so Saad decides not to follow the usual pattern and instead leads us down stairs first to the inn area (or a place similar to the inn) where Jesus was born.
It is a cave area, dark and cold, with original stone with a carved area where hay might have been stored and a trough where water was kept. Very different from our usual picture of the nativity. Through a small entrance next to this area is a little chapel area where our group gathered. Someone started singing Silent Night and soon we all joined in chorus together. Truly an over whelming gift! I felt I could hear Mary saying the familiar prayer in Luke 1:46-50, my soul glorifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices for God has been mindful of the humble state of his servant...for the Mighty One has done great things for me!
As the sounds to the chorus fade, I find praise and tears of joy welling up in me saying "I love you Lord - thank you so much for loving me in my unworthiness.
Believe it or not, this day is not over. There are more gifts to still be discovered. One comes at the home of Mary and Martha in Bethany. Lance noticed a scripture in Luke21:37 which states that "each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives". This verse shows us that Jesus spent a lot of time with Mary, Martha and Lazarus and also, he would have gone by the Garden of Gethsemane often as he walked from the Mount of Olives to temple.
Luke 22:39 tells us that Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, where he prayed with his disciples. These areas were not just occasional stops, but rather they were his customary Special places.
One of the first areas seen as I entered Mary and Martha's was the kitchen/dining. How appropriate! The story in Luke of Martha hustling and bustling while Mary sits at his feet springs to life. An olive press and massive winepress are in the middle of the next area. They were built and placed there to keep archaeologists from discovering the home. Man's deception but God's revelation! The last treasure for today is Lazarus' tomb. After reading the scriptures Lance found along with others, I am reminded how much Jesus must have loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Lazarus tomb is 28steps down from the opening. I'm standing here imagining the excited anticipation of the crowd as they waited for Lazarus to walk up and out of the tomb. As we're waiting for the last of our group to come up from the tomb, God brings a quiet reflection to me
*** wait on the Lord and He will bring great things to pass - I need to trust Him to be faithful to His word and promises.
So many thoughts churning through my head but after a good meal, it's time to rest and put aside the treasure chest for today.
Day Four - layer of gift four - Time to begin a new day and peek inside the treasure chest. I wake a little weary this morning and with aching legs so instead of heading down for breakfast I remain in the room for Spiritual food...there is nothing like quiet time with God for renewal and strength. Lance comes to check on me and makes sure I get some breakfast as today is going to demand a lot of physical activity.
As usual, I find the Wilkinsons and Fields on the back of the bus. The six of us are becoming known as the "Back of the Bus" gang. We've discovered that we have more space and quick exit through the buses rear door, BUT that's a secret we're not sharing with anyone else.
The first stop today takes us to Mt. Scopas where there is a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and extended area. One of the gifts which, I've failed to mention is that we have seen the Eastern Gate. In fact, before the Jerusalem portion of the trip is complete, we will have been by or through all 7 gates - that is one of Lance's goals for the trip. Of course, the Eastern Gate is completely sealed shut and looks like a thick fortress. It is impossible to imagine anyone coming through it, but from scripture we know that one day Christ will come through there again and the New Jerusalem will be established.
As I viewed the gate, it gave me chills of awe and anticipation of the promise of that day - Glory to God! After the brief stop for pictures at Mt. Scopas, the group journeys to the site of the first treasure gift, the Garden of Gethsemane. At the garden, I see ancient olive trees and wonder if Jesus might have rested or prayed under one of them. I think of his last prayer there for "Abba, Father to take this cup from me" and then of his complete yielding to the will of his Father. I pray that I learn from Jesus' example and am willing to totally yield to God's will.
There is a beautiful church (called the Church of All Nations) at the garden and as we enter it, someone begins singing "I come to the garden alone". I can't help but think of my earthly Daddy and how that is one of his favorite songs. Somehow today I think it is one of God's favorite songs, too and is a pleasing offering of praise to Him. Then, a sweet lady named Wanda begins singing a beautiful touching song about Jesus dying alone. No one speaks as we exit the church but several tears are being shed.
Once again God allows me the privilege of reading scripture for the group. Then, we begin making our way to the Wailing Wall and our walk on the Via Dolorosa (or Way of Sorrow). The Wailing Wall was slightly intimidating at first due to the tight security check and the customs that needed to be followed. However, it turned out to be an unforgettable, precious, inspiring moment of the trip. A great gift!
Before going down to the Wall, Saad gave us some background information. It was difficult to hear because of the number of people, and because he needed to talk in a quieter voice, but I did get most of the information. First interesting sideline is that Jewish people don't say BC and AD, they say BCE (before Common Era) and CE (Common Era). Then, he gave some reasons why they pray at the wall also known as the Western Wall:
1. Pray for coming of Christ
2. Pray for children who were killed by Herod
3. Pray for reconstruction of the temple
4. Pray for joy . . . necessary to pray
Then, he explained that one of the reasons the people bow to the wall is so that their bones/bodies may flourish as in Isaiah 66:14 "When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the Lord will be made known to his servants but his fury will be shown to his foes".
Other scriptures that Jewish people apply to prayer practices at the wall are found in Exodus 25:31 - 34 where the menorah (lampstand) is described and almond branches/flowers are mentioned. Later Lance takes a picture of a white flowering almond tree. Also, Psalm 51:7 where the word states, "cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be cleaned, wash me, and I will be whiter than snow". Hyssop grows out of the walls of the city and on the hillsides . . . Lance took a picture of hyssop growing on one of the walls.
Before leaving Saad and the group, I went down with Barb to the Wall to pray. Saad also explained why the yamakah is worn. It means covered/living under God's hand. Finally, the wall is sacred to the Jew's, as Saad explained, because it is part of the original wall surrounding the Temple Mount and is the closest place to the site of their ancient temple. All of the information was interesting and enlightening, but the real gift was yet to come.
Quietly, reverently I made my way down to the wall. Many women (there is a men's side and women's side) were standing and praying. In fact. I couldn't actually get up to the wall just yet, so I stood a few feet away and just began to read scripture. Then I began looking around me at all the people that were there and at the thousands of tiny pieces of white paper jammed into the crevices of the wall representing the written requests, petitions, and prayers. I was overcome with a sense of urgency and began to write a prayer on the small white paper in my notebook, which I planned to place in the wall. However, as I 'm rewriting my notes in this journal, I see that paper is still in my notebook. The prayer is . . . Lord; I praise you today for your Mighty Greatness. I pray for all your people to know you and be drawn near when the New Jerusalem comes. May every knee bow and every heart know that you have come that men may have life. Use me as your servant.
That piece of paper with that prayer was never placed at the wall. Instead as I wrote that prayer, I was burdened for all those in my family, and those close to me, that my heart wails for because they don’t know Jesus. I begin listing each name on a tiny piece of white paper. They are now tucked in a crevice on the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, but more importantly they are tucked in the crevices of God’s hand. I pray that He will break down the stone walls of their hearts so that they might come to know His love and saving grace. Needless to say, the Wailing Wall was left today sprinkled by a few more tears.
Just north of the Temple Mount is Pilate’s Judgment Hall where Jesus was condemned (Matthew 27:2-331) and where the Via Dolorosa begins. The Via Dolorosa means "Way of Sorrow" and is the traditional path Jesus took to Calvary. There are 14 "Stations of the Cross", but I felt that was man’s way of marking Christ’s walk to Calvary. Regardless, the walk impresses on you how difficult it must have been for Christ. The Via Dolorosa weaves its way through the narrow, crowded streets of the Old City. There are uneven walkways and vendors on either side where you are pushed and shoved from every angle as people go about their business. It was not difficult to transcend time and picture Jesus carrying the cross through the streets - just one more man going to his death. Perhaps there were even vendors selling their wares and of course, there was the endless crowd of onlookers jeering and spitting.
Oh, how His heart must have been broken - what a heavy burden and pain to carry! As I’m drifting in these thoughts, we are at the 2nd station, the Church of the Condemnation where Jesus was given the cross to carry. Wanda begins to sing ”Were you there?” and as she finishes, the group continues on its way singing” I Have Decided to follow Jesus”. With those words echoing in our minds, we move through the other “Stations” and eventually come to an area where there are Ethiopian priests sitting. Saad begins to share with us about his early childhood and going to school in this area. He asks me to read scripture in Acts 8:26-4 about Philip and the Ethiopian being baptized. The Ethiopians say they are the oldest Christians because of Philip and this scripture. Today, they reside next to /near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
The church of the Holy Sepulcher is a possible place of Golgotha and the tomb, but later we’ll journey to the Garden Tomb which supports good evidence for that being the area. As we’ve learned to say, it may not be exact, but it’s in the vicinity. The actual tomb of Joseph of Arimathea and the Golgotha hill were destroyed by the Romans. Later Queen Candace came and excavated the hill and found 3 crosses.
At any rate, the true treasure chest gift comes when Saad gets permission for us to go into the Ethiopian Chapel because he knows the Ethiopian priest. The priest reads to us the same passage I read and then prays a prayer of blessing in his language. It is a special moment and the song “ Amazing Grace” appropriately begins to fill our hearts and voices. Soon after, we weave our way to lunch. Saad, of course, knows a place and we have a lunch of falafel’s and /or chicken sandwiches on pita bread with soup and salad.
After lunch, the journey continues going through the gate of King David and up to Mount Zion. This is the site where many Christians believe the upper room was located, but the actual upper room was destroyed. At any rate, it’s in the vicinity. Next gift is a brief stop at the Palace of Caiaphas. It is South of the Old City Wall overlooking the area of Old Jerusalem and is now the place of Church of St. Peter. By now, many of us are weary from a rigorous day. Lance stays up top to take some pictures, but I decided to go with Fred, Teresa, Barb, and Ron to see the cave under the church where Jesus was detained by the chief priests. I am so thankful that the faith lesson about weariness learned on Day 1and 2 was still being recalled to my mind. This view of the prison area and the treatment of prisoners was a convicting (no pun intended) experience. Even today, the places where the hands and feet of prisoners were tied so that they could be beaten are still evident. Never again will I read scriptures about prisons and imprisonment without seeing a vivid picture of those stone walls, dark and dreary. What pain and punishment the innocent Lamb of God must have endured!
As we exited the Cave, just outside the palace is the setting where Peter denied Christ three times. There is a beautiful statue there, which I hope Fred and Ron got pictures of. It depicts Peter with each of the three people that approached him and a Rooster is on top. As I look at it, I am reminded of the many times I have denied Christ by not allowing Him to be seen through my actions and me. It is a bitter reminder and I can identify with Peter’s desire to weep bitterly. (Matthew 26:57-75) God is so Good and from that bitter reminder, we now journey to the greatest gifts of the day at the Garden Tomb. It is a beautiful tranquil garden maintained by British missionaries. One of their representatives meets us and begins to explain why they feel as well as many others this is the place of Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb and possible place of Golgotha. First of all, there is a hill with rock like features of a skull. The Bible doesn’t say 3 crosses were on a hill… it just says at a place called Golgotha. Other reasons given are:
It is outside wall of the city
His talk and all of the reasons were interesting, but whether or not it’s really the place doesn’t matter. In it's setting, God’s presence is felt. The greatest gift and blessing of the day comes when Lance and two other men in the group, Vernon and John lead us in the partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Throughout the day there had been much complaining and grumbling in the group. In fact, several had stayed on the bus and not come to the Garden tomb. When we entered the garden, I had prayed that the Holy Spirit would calm our hearts and refocus our minds and spirits in harmony.
As we gathered for this time of remembering, my prayer and I’m sure the prayer of others was answered. It was an unplanned service, but God united these three men to lead in scripture reading, prayer, and humble service. Then, spontaneously, singing began. My heart was stirred, and I will never forget that time or place of sharing and remembering the Christ who died for me. The service wasn’t long in minutes but it will be forever etched in my heart and mind. At this point, the bus headed back to the hotel for dinner and sleep. As the treasure chest lid closes, I truly feel as though I walked today where Jesus walked…thank you, Lord!!
Day five - layer of gifts five. Today is Saturday and dawns as the Sabbath Day in Jerusalem. It is actually a free day for us, but Saad, bless his heart, has volunteered to comeback and take us to some of the places we missed seeing. What a special blessing and gift that is for all of us. It is a walking tour for the most part again to the Old City of David as mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:8-10. On our way to the Palm Sunday walk, church of St. Ann, and pool of Bethesda, Saad points out a terebinth tree for Lance. It is a special time for pictures and with their usual spirit of support, Fred, Teresa Ron and Barb all participate in making sure Lance gets his picture under a terebinth tree (oaks of Mamre) as Abraham sat under. It was one of Lance’s goals for the trip. God blessed us with a fabulous guide who remembers our questions and desires to answer them and educate us.
The first stop is at St. Anne Church, which is a beautiful church with amazing acoustics. There is a faith lesson learned here in the example of two ladies in our group. One sings and it is truly an offering for building up herself and then, the other one stands to sing with her hands in her coat pockets and her head bowed in reverence. Her singing stirs our souls and is a true praise offering to God. More of Him, less of me.
Leaving St. Anne, we go to the pool o Bethesda. It is a long way down and difficult to approach. I can certainly understand why the invalid says to Jesus “I have no one to help me into the pool. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me”. Again that story and the compassion and healing power of Jesus springs to life. The scripture in John 5:1-15 is read while we stare into a now dry pool. Amazing!
Now, Saad begins to lead us on the Palm Sunday walk, Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Lance takes a picture of a donkey as we all say that the donkey must have been one sturdy creature to carry Jesus. The walk is steep and a difficult angle to walk. Of course, now it is paved but then, it would have been dusty and rocky. As I walk along, I try to picture the massive crowd of people with palm fronds and cheers of Hosanna. It is clouded by my memory of just yesterday walking the Via Dolorosa. How quick and fickle are men’s hearts.
As we complete the walk, we enter the city by way of the Dung gate and continue to the Western Wall. Only this time instead of going to the Wailing Wall, we bear to the right to go to the Temple Mount, called Mount Moriah (2 Chronicles 3:1) in the Bible. It is the site of the temples of Solomon, Zerubbabel, and Herod and is today a holy place to Moslems, because it is believed to be the spot where Mohammed went to heaven. It is necessary to go through a security check to enter and I am reminded how precious is my freedom to worship. One of the guards opens my purse, sees my Bible, thumbs through it and then asks me if it is a Bible, and at that point, tells me Not to open it inside. From his tone of voice, I knew that there would be consequences to suffer if I did. Even though the Dome of the Rock is impressively decorated with beautiful Persian tiles and the place of washing feet was interesting, I felt uncomfortable and threatened during my visit to the Temple Mount. Barb and I had quite an interesting bathroom experience there, too…but I’ll leave that for telling later.
After exiting the Temple Mount, once again we were weaving our way through the Old City trying to keep up with Saad. If yesterday was crowded, it was nothing compared with today! I’ve never been so pushed and shoved in all my life. At first, it was exciting, invigorating, and interesting but then it really became claustrophobic for me. God was truly providing a “Lean on Me” faith lesson land. He also sent Fred to help block the way when I got separated from Lance. Of course, as we made our way through, God provided a laugh. We thought Teresa was in front of us, but somehow she ended up behind. When we caught up with the rest of the group, Teresa wasn’t there. (I was holding my cross I had worn that day, actually gripping it might be more accurate.) We looked back into the crowd and saw her desperately trying to grope through the mass of people. Lance took a picture. Later we said Teresa was “passed over in Jerusalem”.
As soon as we regained our composure from that experience, we took off on our own to explore…just knew some of Lance’s wandering would enter the picture sometime. The first visit was the King David Hotel. I had heard many things about the hotel and just wanted to see it. Actually it was a treasure gift as God provided an oasis to sit, relax, and have some refreshment. Ron, Teresa and Fred took a taxi back to the hotel from there, but Barb, Lance, Mary Pearl, and I decided to visit David’s tower. With trusty map in hand, we wound our way through streets of old and new to find the tower. It was a tremendous site and Lance was like a kid fulfilling a dream. Of course, it was a big photo spot and rock collecting spot.
After a brief visit to the Armenian section of the city, we began walking down the garden path by the tower as the sun was setting over Jerusalem.
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