Amidah 17 – Prayer for the Restoration of Temple Service

People today know very little about Temple worship. In the days of the Temple’s existence the Hebrew people would come singing psalms as they made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem and offering animal sacrifices in dedication to God, in thanksgiving, or for the absolution of sins.

In its simplest form, the Tabernacle had three areas: The courtyard where sacrifices were made; the Holy Place where Priests serviced the Menorah, Table of Shewbread and the Altar of Incense; and the Holy of Holies which the High Priest entered once a year to atone for the sins of the people of Israel. We can learn a great deal about approaching God and worshipping Him through a study of the Tabernacle.

During the time of Solomon the Temple and its ritual was expanded. The families of the Levites were organized serving at various times and for various services at the Temple. King David, Levites and others wrote Psalms to be sung. The High Priest and Teachers wrote prayers. And people came with offerings to worship God in the Temple. There is something in us that desires the richness and meaning of this worship.

Today’s worship is often centered around our likes and dislikes. We come and listen (if the time is convenient), and our worship costs us nothing. Sometimes worship means singing three songs and give an offering of our finances, then hear special music and a sermon. Sometimes there is an occasion for response at the end of the sermon. In some churches there is a contemporary form of worship with a praise team who guides the music. Messages of the Pastor along with drama and video challenge us on how to go out and life as a believer in today’s world.

In the days of the Temple people came with a gift for God and left with a sense of awe. All too often in today’s world our arrival is so rushed we do not have time to prepare our hearts for proper worship, and we go critiquing the musicians, the pastor and the quality of our experience.

Jesus said, “A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)

Jesus criticized the people of his day saying, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: `These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” (Matthew 7:6-8)

Through our prayers we must remember the times when we were closest to God. We must seek the awe that for ages has brought people to worship God. We must have more love for God than for our preferences. We must help others to have an experience with God as they come to worship. And we must leave the house of prayer closer to God than when we came.

Paul wrote: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Amidah 16 – Prayer for the Hearing of Prayer

This request might be strange. We are praying for God to hear our prayer. Why would God not hear our prayer? The answer is in the scripture: “The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29) Prayer is a matter of the heart. God knows intimately what is in our heart.

God desires to work on our hearts through prayer, which is why prayer sometimes is a process. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Mt 7:7) Jesus also said, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'

"Then the one inside answers, `Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. (Luke 11:5-8) – (See also Luke 18:1-7)

Through the process of Prayer God helps refine the difference between our desires and needs. God works on our hearts and helps us understand how He works as we pray. God desires to give us all that we need, and many of our wants. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Mt 7:10-12)

So prayer is a process in which God works on us. As we look at the Amidah, it is a process. First: Recognizing God’s Greatness. Second: Recognizing and correcting our sinfulness. Third: Praying for God’s people and His desires, always placing in our hearts the things God tells us in His word. We are to pray for others, and for our desires. But these things are better understood as we allow God to shape our hearts. Jesus said, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Mt 6:8)

Paul said, “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,” (Eph 3:14-16) Let us pray that God hears our prayer and that we are strengthened, becoming more the person which God desires.

Amidah 15 – Prayer for the Messianic King

Speedily cause the offspring of your servant David to flourish, and let him be exalted by your saving power, for we wait all day long for your salvation. Blessed are you, O Lord, who causes salvation to flourish.

In Fiddler on the Roof Motel says to the Rabbi: “we've been waiting all our lives for the Messiah. Wouldn't now be a good time for Him to come?”

“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:3)

Maimonides says: “Whoever does not believe in him (Messiah), or does not await his coming, denies not only the other prophets but also the Torah and Moses, our teacher, for the Torah attests to his coming.”

The Scripture is filled with verses which tell us who to look for as we long for the Messiah. They speak of His lineage (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:19; 28:13-14; 49:10; Isaiah 11:1; 2 Samuel 17:11-16) The Messiah will be from the house and lineage of King David.

He will be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2); of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14); at a specific time (Daniel 9:24-27). His birth will attract shepherds and kings (Nu 24:17; Ps 72:10-13; Isaiah 60:1-7). Herod would try to kill him (Jer 31:5) and his family would go to Egypt (Hos 11:1).

He will be preceded by Elijah the Prophet (Isa 40:3-5; Mal 4:5). He will be anointed by the Holy Spirit (Isa 61:1-2). He will be a man of peace (Isa 42:1-6) and righteousness (Isa 11:4). He will come as a prophet (Deut 18:18). He will bring a New Covenant (Isa 42:6-7; Jer 31:31).

He will begin his ministry in Galilee (Isa 9:1-2). He will cure the sick (Is 35:1-6), still the storms (Ps 107:29-30); teach in parables (Ps 78:1-2). When he comes to Jerusalem, he will ride a donkey (Zech 9:9) and cleanse the Temple (Hag 2:6-9; Mal 3:1-4).

He will be betrayed by a friend (Ps 41:9; 55:11-14) for 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12-13). He will be taken to the rulers who will falsely accuse him and die for the sins of the people (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; Zech 12:10; Ps 34:19-20). He is the offering that will save our lives (Ex 12:6; Ge 22; Lev 16). He will be buried with the rich (Isa 53:9), but will not stay in the grave (Ps 16:9-10; 49:14; 71:19-20). He will ascend to heaven (Ps 68:18), and come again.

At Christmas we sing, “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” Paul wrote: “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Eph 3:7-12)

Amidah 14 – Prayer for the Rebuilding of Jerusalem

"Return in mercy to Jerusalem your city, and dwell in it as you have promised. Rebuild it soon in our day as an eternal structure, and quickly set up in it the throne of David. Blessed are you, O Lord, who rebuilds Jerusalem."

If there is one city that means more to the world than any other, it is Jerusalem. Many nations have their key cities whether it be political (like Washington DC) or cosmopolitan (like New York City). They city of Jerusalem is both for much of the world.

Jerusalem is both the capital and cosmopolitan center of the Hebrew people. The world sees this city as a place of God. Indeed it is the most holy city of the Jews, Christians and Islamic people. The Temple of the Jews was located on Temple Mount in this city … before the Romans destroyed it in 70 A.D. Now the Dome of the Rock is on Temple Mount, the third holiest place in the world for the Moslem. This is the place of Mohammad’s night journey to heaven.

Jesus came to the Temple in Jerusalem on many occasions. In His last days Jesus was tried in this city, He was crucified and buried outside the city. And Jesus’ resurrection took place near this city.

It is believed that Jerusalem is the place where Abraham offered his son Isaac. It was here that King David purchased the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Solomon built the Temple at this location. The Jewish people pray for the restoration of Jerusalem as it was in the time of Solomon, a place of worship of our God.

This city has been fought over many times, and worship has been restored when it has been lost. The Maccabees captured this city in 165 BC, and restored worship in the Temple on the holiday called Chanukah.

The Bible says,
“Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
That is where the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
to praise the name of the LORD
according to the statute given to Israel.
There the thrones for judgment stand,
the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
"May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels."
For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, "Peace be within you."
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.” (Psalm 122:3-9)

The very name of Jerusalem means Foundation of Peace. Although the city has often been fought over, there is more to this peace than the warring of men. They city represents Peace with God.

In the days of the kings, the Levites and the Cohen were responsible for sacrificing sheep and bulls to atone for sin. The scripture says, “the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)

Annually the High Priest would select a lamb, take its blood and place it on the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies to atone for sins of the people of Israel and to bring the peace which comes with the forgiveness of sin.

This was but a foreshadowing of what was to come as God sent His own Son into the world to die on the cross so our sin could be atoned for and all men could find peace with God. The apostle Paul wrote: “Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:1-6)

Jerusalem is to be the foundation of peace. In Jesus Christ we find atonement for sin. John the Apostle wrote: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:7-10)

This is the city of God. Jerusalem is to be a place of peace. We are to pray for the rebuilding of this city which is from God. “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:2-4)

Pray for the Rebuilding of Jerusalem and for this city of peace.

Amidah 13 – Prayer for the righteous and Proselytes

We are called to pray for the Righteous. Not just those who are currently righteous, but that God would call more people to follow the path of righteousness. “The LORD loves righteousness and justice.” (Psalm 33:5) Righteousness is a difficult path to follow. Living life brings temptations which seeks to topple the righteous.

The question comes, “What is righteousness?” Definitions of Righteousness are: upright, just, straight, innocent, true, sincere. The Lord is Righteous. Righteousness is becoming like God.

“Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9) “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6) Isaac and Jacob are also called Righteous. “Phinehas stood up and intervened, this was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come.” (Ps 106:30-31)

The Righteous seek to be like God. But they do not seek to meet a theological criteria, they are active in their pursuit of righteousness. Righteousness is an action. The Bible says, “If we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” (Deut 6:25)

The Jews contrast "Tzadik" (Righteous) with “Hasid” or Pious. The live lives of study and spiritual devotion. The Tzadik are men of action. They actively show their righteousness. “For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” (Romans 2:13)

Psalm 15 says, “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.”

Righteousness is a choice. It does not happen by accident. It is like being a Proselyte. One must choose to live a life above and beyond the normal, a life that overtly seeks to please God. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Mt 5:6)

Paul notes, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) Jesus Christ came, giving His life as atonement breaking down the barrier which keeps us from God. In Him we find righteousness. “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Eph 2:19-22)

“Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.” (Pr 10:2)

We must pray for the righteousness, that they can be strong, and that they will not fail. We must pray that more people will seek righteousness. “I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.” (Ps 40:10)

Amidah 11 – Prayer for the righteous reign of God

“Restore our judges as in former times, and our counselors as at the beginning; remove from us sorrow and sighing; reign over us, O Lord, You alone, in lovingkindness and tender mercy, and clear us in judgment. Blessed art thou, O Lord, the King who loves righteousness and judgment.”

For the Jewish people, and for all of us, there has always been the desire to live under rulers who are completely fair and honest. We want leaders who have no ulterior motives other than ruling with justice, fairness, and for the good of the common man.

This kind of government is hard to find because we are led by men. Because we are men, there is always a self-serving side to us. God reminds us of this in Deuteronomy 17:14-20, as we are told what to look for in a ruler, and instructions are given as to how a ruler is to begin his reign.

Through history (especially the history of the Jewish people), different parts of the populace face persecution and hardship caused by their leaders. Because of this there is a yearning for the righteous reign of God.

What would the ideal leader be like? Isaiah writes: “See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice. Each man will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen.” (Isaiah 32:1-3)

This prayer comes from Isaiah 1:26: “I will restore your judges as in days of old, your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City." Zion will be redeemed with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness.”

We want leaders who will look to God for answers to difficult questions … and even simple decrees. We want leaders like Moses and Samuel who lead as God directs. But it is hard to find such leaders. We look to the future, and the righteous reign of God Himself.

Jesus prayed, ““Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Mt 6:10)

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Paul prayed the prayer in this way, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:14-18)

Amidah 10 – Prayer for the reunion of Israel

“Sound the great horn for our freedom; raise the ensign to gather our exiles, and gather us from the four corners of the earth. Blessed art thou, O Lord, who gathers the dispersed of Your people Israel.”

When one comes under the banner of Christ, things change. While it is Paul who says, “Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” (Romans 10:1), it is also Paul who writes, “when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles.” (Galatians 1:15-16)

Peter writes, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19)

For Paul this prayer was for the reunion of People with God through Christ. “Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called ‘uncircumcised’ by those who call themselves ‘the circumcision’ (that done in the body by the hands of men)-- remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:11-13)

For God who created all people wants to bring them to Himself. This was God’s plan from the beginning of time. Through Israel God has shown us His plan. In the fullness of time Jesus was born according to the plan and prophecy laid out by God.

Jesus “opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem’.” (Luke 24:46-47)

So let us sound the shofar, the great horn so people will know the freedom and salvation which only comes in Christ. Let us not be silent. Let us raise the ensign to exiles who know not the message of Christ so people from the four corners of the world may know the God of Israel and the salvation which comes through Jesus Christ.

Amidah 9 – Blessing for years of Good

“Bless this year for us, O Lord our God, together with all the varieties of its produce for our good. Give a blessing upon the face of the earth. And satisfy us with your goodness. Bless our year like the best of years. Blessed are you, O Lord, who blesses the years.”

Feast and famine, good and bad, we measure our days by our perception of life. This prayer asks God for good for us and for others and for satisfaction with life.

Life is full of good days and bad. There are curves in life that throw us off (Ge 31:38-42). Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Mt 6:34) Job 1-2 is the story of what can happen when things get bad. It is also the story of how to make things good, for Job refused to dishonor his God and in the end was given more than he lost.

The people of Israel needed God to bless them. They faced disease (Nu 11:33), famine (Ge 12:10; 26:1), wars (Ge 14:15; Judges 6:3), wild animals (Ge. 31:39; Ex 22:13, 31; Dt 28:49), insects (Dt 28:38f) and many other threats. They desired, as we do today, God’s blessings for years of good.

The Bible tells us, “If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God:” Deut 28:1-2)

Sometimes we think that bad and good come by chance: but this philosophy fails to recognize that God is in control of all things, and sometimes what we perceive to be good is not so good; and sometimes what we experience as horrible turns out for good (James 1). The scripture says: “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Ro. 8:28)

This is the key to the prayer for years of good, to remain close to the Lord. Solomon said, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” (Pr. 3) The Lord said, “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chron 7:13-14; 1 Kin 8:37)

Amidah 8 – Healing

Understanding we are sinners; Repentance of Sin; Forgiveness which comes from God; and Deliverance from consequences: These are all part of God’s love for us. But the love of God goes beyond. The love of God can bring healing.

The healing of God can be physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The healing that comes from God is always what we need. Healing is more than being cleaned from sin. It is more than deliverance from consequences. Healing is being brought back to where we were before the sin. Healing is the final step to the process of our redemption.

An example of healing is found in the story of the paralytic lowered through the roof in Mark 2. Jesus forgave his sins. The Pharisees did not believe he was cleansed and forgiven. To demonstrate God’s power, Jesus went beyond forgiving the man: the man was healed and walked away.

An example from the Old Testament is found in 1 Kings 5, where Naaman is stricken with leprosy. His maid pointed him to the source of healing. Through this story we see God confronting Naaman’s sin of pride, and bringing healing.

Paul wrote: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Eph 2:6-7)

God wants us to understand His greatness and mercy. The process of healing shows us that even though all seems to be falling apart, we have a God who has the power and ability to make things whole again. Healing on earth is a foretaste of what will happen in heaven.

The prayer for healing is for those who need healing from their sin, those who have been impacted by the sin of others, and for some who just need to understand the miracles and power of God.

“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.” (Rev. 22:1-3)

The most important part of healing is spiritual healing. Through sin we are separated from God. This brings more sickness. God realizing this sent His Son into the world. Christ died that our sin might be forgiven. Through the gift of Salvation we are made well. When our relationship is returned to God and we love Him with all our heart, soul and strength (Deut 6:5), we are healed.

The Psalmist writes: “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,” (Psalm 103:2-4) Look at these benefits: forgiving and healing; redemption and crowning. This is what God wants to do as we come close to Him.

Amidah 7 – Redemption

The prayer of the Amidah lays out the path of our forgiveness. God is Holy. His love helps us understand not only that we are sinners, but our specific sin. When God confronts us with our sin we realize the hopelessness of our situation … and our need for God. We repent of our sin, and God forgives us of our sin. As far as the east is from the west our sin is removed.

But one thing remains after our sin is removed: the consequences. Eliphaz the Temanite said, “I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.” (Job 4:8) Paul wrote, “A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7) Think it through. Sin can leave consequences.

But our God in all of His grace can go beyond removing our sin. God can deliver and redeem us from its consequences. God is our protection from the consequences of our sin.

Sometimes our sin creates enemies. Sometimes it results in losses (in relationships, financial or health). Sometimes our sin will create shame if found out.

Beyond understanding we have sinned, and asking forgiveness, God wants us to love Him. God desires relationship with us. God can and will redeem us. When we return from our sin and look to God again for His care and guidance, we can be delivered from the results of our sin.

“The eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.” (Psalm 33:18-19)

Psalm 31 begins: “In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.”

Redemption is the above and beyond quality that goes beyond our forgiveness. It can be undoing the harm that was created by the sin. Deliverance can help us by eliminating the ‘could be’ consequences of our actions.

Amidah 6 – Forgiveness

Forgiveness follows Repentance. The scripture says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:19)

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

God desires that we stay in right relationship with Him. From the very beginning God has sought to forgive our sins. God provided a sacrifice in the Garden of Eden (Ge 3:21); and then taught us how to repent and give sacrifices including the sin offering (Leviticus 4) pointing to the forgiveness which is offered through Jesus Christ (Titus 2:14).

Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. This is the purpose for which God sent Him. God in His unfailing love provided the perfect method for redemption. (Psalm 119:153-160) The Lord Himself provides redemption. (Psalm 130:7-8)

The ways of the Lord are love and faithfulness. When we understand the seriousness of our Sin and desire to turn to God’s ways, God desires to forgive us. When God forgives us, it is as if our sin never existed. It is wiped out and as if it is no more. God’s forgiveness makes us appear not just ok, but as righteous (Romans 4:5).

From the Amidah in Ephesians we read, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,” (Eph 1:7) Paul tells us, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Col. 2:13-14) God removes our sin so well that it is as far as the east is from the west, (Psalm 103:12)

With our sin taken away, our relationship with God can be pure.

Amidah 5 - Repentance

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8)

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)

" There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins." (Ecclesiastes 7:20)

"When they sin against you--for there is no one who does not sin--and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to his own land, far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their conquerors and say, `We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly'; and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to you toward the land you gave their fathers, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause." (1 Kings 8:46-49)

Because we all sin, we need to understand the prayer of repentance. God desires for us to recognize our sins. The Lord wants us to desire His righteous, to despise or sin, to forsake our sin, to bring to an end the things that are causing the sin, to chart a course away from our sin, to set boundaries so we do not repeat the sin, to restore losses to those who have been harmed by our sin, and to step out in faith to a new life beyond our sin.

Repentance means "the action or process of repenting especially for misdeeds or moral shortcomings." (Webster) In other words, repentance is not just a prayer to say to God we are sorry. Repentance is a process of understanding what we have done wrong and turning so we do not repeat the wrong. As we seek God, we seek understanding (Amidah 4), forgiveness (Amidah 6), Deliverance (Amidah 7) and healing (Amidah 8). If successful we will return to the years of prosperity (Amidah 9).

During our prayer of repentance we allow our heart to break before God (Psalm 51) so He can help us understand the wrong and point us to the action needed by us in order to turn from the sin and to return to God and His people.

According to 2 Chronicles 7:14, the prayer for repentance begins by humbling ourselves (the brokenness), seeking God's wisdom, and turning from our wickedness. Repentance is a process and an action.

It is through proper repentance that we set the stage for God to forgive. That is the next benediction in the Amidah. "To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ." (Ephesians 1:6-9)

Amidah 4 - Understanding

What is the meaning of life?
Why is this happening to me?
Why are they like that?
I just don’t understand! … This is the context of the fourth benediction: Binah, the prayer for understanding. “You graciously give knowledge to man and teach mortals understanding: Give to us from Lord Your knowledge, understanding, and intelligence. Blessed be Thou, O Lord, who gives knowledge”

We pray this prayer because we are to seek after understanding “May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word.” (Ps 119:169) We are to seek after understanding as we week after gold and silver (Prov. 2:1-6) for if we have understanding we will gain everything in life.

Wisdom and understanding existed before the beginning. (Pr. 8) They help us understand God and His ways. (Pr 1:6-7; 28:11; Mt 13:14; Mk 4:12; John 5:20) Understanding is what set Israel apart from other peoples. (Dt 4:6). We are to seek to understand God and His ways.

We are to seek God out and His ways. He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” The more we seek for God, the more we grow and understand. We are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding. We should never stop seeking and asking, “Why.”

There is a promise given in James: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (1:5) which encourages us to offer this prayer. “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

We need to seek wisdom in our daily lives – even in the mundane decisions we must make every day. We can ask God when we get up in the morning what we should do that day. When we don’t understand why something didn't work out the way we hoped, we should ask God. We need to ask God about the good things and the bad. The Lord in His time and His ways will show us so we will gain understanding.

As I led our prayer meeting the week after praying for understanding, I realized that this portion of prayer leads us into the next, the prayer of repentance. For as we pray for understanding of God and of ourselves, we also pray for God to show us any sinful way within us. To allow God to show us understanding will allow us to be fully cleansed and draw us closer to Him.

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” (Col 1:9-10)

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.” (Eph 1:18-20)

Amidah 3

Prayer is a privilege. Our Loving God offers us audience with Him at any time, at any place, and for any reason. This is an incredible invitation. We can speak to the Creator of the Universe (Ge 14:19), Our Mighty God (Lk 22:69), the King of Kings (1 Tim 6:15).

God is Holy (Ex 3:5; Ps 99:9). This means God is not a person like us (Nu 23:19; Job 9:32). God is Sinless (Ps 7:9; RO 1:17; Rev 15:4). God is not desirous of the things of the world. He is not tempted like us. God is not swayed in order to receive our approval. God is Holy, separate from the sins that taint our lives.
God is One (Deut 6:4), but His name Eloheim teaches us that God is Greater than one. His Might, His strength, His Knowledge and wisdom makes Him worthy of our praise, honor and awe.

God is love (1 John 4:8, 16). The Lord wants us to approach us and speak to Him (Ps 95:6). God is ever present. His name Yahweh means the God who is there (Ex 3:14). God is to be our banner (Ex 17:15), our Shepherd (Ps 23:1), and our Peace (Jud 6:24).

We are to approach God in awe and in recognition of His Holiness as we begin our prayer.

Amidah 2

We have seen in the First Benediction that God is our Father, the Creator, Almighty who can create this world by with only a Word. The Second Benediction takes this further. “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” (Ps 71:8)

One rendition of this prayer could be: “You are forever Mighty O Lord. You give immortal life; You revive the dead. You sustain the living with loving-kindness, and in Your great mercy lift the fallen and heal the sick, setting free the imprisoned, and keeping faith with those who sleep in the dust. God of mighty deeds, and who is comparable to You?

This prayer recognizes the mighty power of God. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev 19:16). He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end. Our Father is the taker and giver of life. “Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes. At the time of your appearing you will make them like a fiery furnace. In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up, and his fire will consume them. You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind. … Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.” (Psalm 21:8-10, 13)

Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.” Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18) He has the power to “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.” (Mt 10:8)

“Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Psalm 103:1-5)

For more on this prayer, read Deuteronomy 10:14-22.

Paul gave a charge to Timothy based on this prayer: “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time--God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.”

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." (Ephesians 1:18-21)

Amidah 1

One translation of the first benediction says: "Blessed are you Lord our God and God of our fathers. God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob. God, the Great, the Mighty, and Awesome God. Most High who gives kindness plentifully and creates everything. Who recalls kindnesses of the fathers and brings a Redeemer to children's children for the sake of His Name. Oh King, Helper, Savior, and Shield. Blessed are You Lord, Shield of Abraham.

The first benediction of the Amidah give us some roots, an anchor, a place where we see that our faith is not something we dreamed up, but it is given by God and lived out through history by many generations of believers.

This prayer recognizes the Fathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. These men had a strong faith in God. (Ex. 3:6) It is from these three men that the nation of Israel came forth. "Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: `I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever." Ex 32:13. The names of these three men are mentioned 19 times in the Torah (Ge 50:24; Ex 2:24; 3:6, 15, 16; 4:5; 6:3, 8; 32:13; 33:1; Lev 26:42; Nu 32:11; Dt 1:8; 6:10; 9:5; 9:27; 29:13; 30:20; 34::4) ... coincidence: Once for each of the Benedictions.

Prayer goes beyond just remembering our ancestors. Prayer is always addressed to God. The scripture says, “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Ge 15:6. Abraham believed in God Most High who became his shield (Ge 14:22-15:1) Jesus begins his prayer, “Our Father.” Paul says, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.” (Col 1:3). Peter says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Peter 1:3) As these men prayed through the training of the Amidah, they recognized something more. They saw God as the Father who gave an Only begotten Son, and the Son who is the Author and perfecter of our faith. (Heb 12:2)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” (Eph 1:3-6)

Amidah - Introduction

A little more about the Amidah before we launch into various sections of this prayer.

The Amidah is written in three sections
- Praise = 3 Benedictions
- Petition = 12 (or 13) Benedictions
- Thanksgiving = 3 Benedictions

As I write about the Amidah, we will begin with the first section which includes Benedictions 1-3. This section is about praise of God. It is always good to begin our time of prayer with praise. Praise and Adoration help us to consider the one to whom we address our petitions. We are speaking to the God of the Universe. We are praying to a God who is able to not only answer our prayers, but He "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." (Ephesians 3:20) We are speaking to the Creator, the Eternal God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We speak to the Holy One. As we offer praise, we ready our minds and hearts so we might approach the throne of Grace and pray in the right manner.

The first three Benedictions are:
- Avot = Ancestors
- Gevurot = Powers
- Kedushat Ha-shem = The Name

Some have connected these three with the Lord's Prayer. Consider the following:
- Avot = Ancestors - Our Father
- Gevurot = Power - Who art in heaven
- Ha-shem = Name - Hallowed be Thy Name

I think these designations will help us understand each of the three praises in the Amidah.

Although today there are words written which people read and follow (some pray this prayer three times per day), in the days of Jesus it was not done this way. The teachers of the Mishna wanted each person to pray with all their heart and with all their soul and with all their strength.

"Rabban Gamaliel says: A man should pray the Eighteen [Benedictions] every day. R. Joshua says: The substance of the Eighteen. R. Akiba says: If his prayer is fluent in his mouth he should pray the Eighteen, but if not, the substance of the Eighteen. R. Eliezer says: He that makes his prayer a fixed task, his prayer is no supplication. R. Joshua says: He that journeys in a place of danger should pray a short prayer, saying, ‘Save, 0 Lord, the remnant of Israel; at their every cross-road let their needs come before thee. Blessed art You, 0 Lord, that hear prayer!’" (Mishna, Benedictions 4.3-4)

More will be written as I look at the three Benedictions (and those which come after) in future posts.

Amidah Prayer

I am always looking for ways to encourage people in prayer or to enrich our prayer life as I lead prayer meeting at our church on Wednesday nights. Our current session is looking at the morning and evening prayers of the Jewish people known as the Amidah or the “Standing Prayer.”

The first reference to the Amidah is found in the Mishnah and dates back to near the time of Jesus. “Rabban Gamaliel says: A man should pray the Eighteen [Benedictions]’ every day. R. Joshua says: The substance of the Eighteen. R. Akiba says: If his prayer is fluent in his mouth he should pray the Eighteen, but if not, the substance of the Eighteen.” The origin of the Amidah could go back to the time of Ezra.

The idea behind this series is that often we are very limited in our prayer life, offering supplication only for immediate needs that come to mind. This prayer, the Eighteen Benedictions (Shmoneh Esreh) will help to expand our prayer life reminding us of other areas to include as we pray.

To me it seems that an early version of the Amidah is found in the book of Ephesians. Following is the order of these Benedictions:

1. Avot ("Ancestors") - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

2. Gevurot ("powers") - who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

3. Kedushat ha-Shem ("the sanctification of the Name") - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

4. Binah ("understanding") - In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

5. Teshuvah ("return", "repentance") - In him we have redemption through his blood,

6. Selichah (“forgiveness”) - the forgiveness of sins,

7.Geulah ("redemption") - in accordance with the riches of God's grace

8. Refuah ("healing")

9. Birkat HaShanim ("blessing for years [of good]") - that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

10. Galuyot ("diasporas") Prayer for reunion of Israel - And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,

11. Birkat HaDin ("Justice") - to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment

13. Tzadikim ("righteous") Prayer for the righteous and proselytes - --to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

14. Bo'ne Yerushalayim ("Builder of Jerusalem") - In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

15. Birkat David ("Blessing of David") Prayer for the Messianic King - in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

16. Tefillah ("prayer") Prayer for the hearing of prayer. - And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.

17. Avodah ("service") Prayer for the restoration of Temple service. - Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.

18. Hoda'ah ("thanksgiving") Thanksgiving for G-d's unfailing mercies. - For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

19. Sim Shalom ("Grant Peace") Grant Peace - I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

I will write more on this as I develop our Prayer times on Wednesday Nights.

Israel – The “Best” Thing

Some people have asked me to share the “Best” thing about the trip. I can say the high point of my trip was when I looked out the window and saw the blue waters of the Mediterranean. We were 38,000 feet at the time, so that is definitely the high point of the trip. (I also enjoyed Italy, Greece and the Aegean Islands from the air).But to share the “best” part of the trip is something I really can not do. The “Best” thing does not exist, because there were so many things I really enjoyed.

I traveled to Israel with friends (Mike & Inae Parrish, Tag & Lisa Murn, Kenny & Todd Fields; Nancy Rogers) and Family (Denise, Chelsea & Sarah), and have shared experiences with them that will never be forgotten.

John Delancey, our Biblical guide was fantastic. He shared great Biblical insight and brought the Bible and the places visited to life. His experience made the trip. There were no dry spots or unplanned time. There were no “glitches.” The trip was well planned, and John was always there. I would recommend him (website: http://www.biblicalisraeltours.com/). You can see archives of our trip under June 2012.

Shlomo Ben-Asher was also a great part of the trip. His family moved to Israel in 1938, 10 years before there nation was born. They were part of the Zionist movement that lived on the Kibbutz. Shlomo has a passion for what he has done for 29 years, he travels in order to gain a greater knowledge base and and keep himself on the cutting edge as a guide. He brought us into the culture sharing for his Jewish background and shared with us the Christian sites through years of experience. Some of his songs are still with me.

The food was outstanding. Fresh fruit and vegetables were served at every meal. We ate cheeses and eggs at breakfast. The fresh dates were fantastic.

It was a gift to be able to walk in the very places experienced by those of the Bible. We walked in Jabin’s Palace, we saw where Herod and Pontus Pilate lived, and we walked around the shrine of Jeroboam in Dan. We walked the Herodian streets, climbed through the tunnels of Hezekiah, saw the caves of Qumran, visited the heights of Masada, and sailed the Sea of Galilee.

We swam in the Mediterranean, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan, the springs at Sachni where we heard and saw the “Sanhedrin,” the pools of Ein Gedi, and in the Dead Sea.

We saw antelope, coneys, peacocks, muskrats and catfish up close. (See Sarah’s video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0RBpjlJ1EU&feature=share). We saw the headwaters (roaring) of the Jordan River, climbed Mt. Arbel. Looked out from the Mt Precipice at Nazareth, saw Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, and experienced many of the landscapes of Israel.

I went to the Western Wall where I spent time in prayer, and where I prayed with others. We also visited the pool of Siloam and of Bethesda.

I bargained with the Bedouin, Palestinian, and Jewish merchants. We were served coffee in the back room of one of the shops under the arches of the Joppa Gate. We saw celebrations like Bar Mitzvahs at our motel, the Dung Gate and at the Western Wall. We saw dancers at the Bar Mitzvahs and as we walked Ben Yahouda Street.

We enjoyed an unplanned (by our guides) but panned (by God) detour through Modi’in where the Chanukah story was told, Chelsea and Sarah led singing on the bus, and where Sarah and a few others had “A great thing happened there” experience.

And the trip continues. As Daniel Dye read the scripture on the Transfiguration Sunday morning, I saw it, because we visited the land and experienced the Lord.
What is the “best” part of the trip … I think it is all BEST!

Take time to view a few of our pictures. There are two collections –
Jerusalem – https://plus.google.com/photos/115544123164287975321/albums/5761726037763508785?authkey=CKjs4fbz6MOBsQE
The rest of Israel - https://plus.google.com/u/1/photos/115544123164287975321/albums/5761026986035271169?authkey=COqExoL17_GkVw

Israel Day 10 – The Finale

Today was our “free” day in Jerusalem. That means we slept in a little. Our internal clock was not exactly right … or we had awaken up early so many days that we did not sleep in. The day started with breakfast, and then I went with Nancy Rogers and Sarah to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We entered and walked to the right. We saw a stone outcropping, and then began to see the various chapels. The first was the Saint Helena Chapel. It was one floor down to the chapel, and a second floor down to a cave and the old quarry.

We continued around to various other chapels. Near the Franciscan Chapel I asked a priest if he knew where one of Denise’s ancestors was buried – Fulk IV, King of Jerusalem. He showed me a room where the sword and other artifacts of Geffory of Boullon were kept.

We continued on to the Jaccobite Chapel. There was an old altar there, and behind the altar there were two tombs, said to be the tombs of Joseph of Arimathea and Nichodemus. From there we saw the Stone of Unction and Calvary. The church was very beautiful. Areas dated to AD 340. Some places were very ornate. It was a great experience.

Following our walk in the Church, we went to meet Denise and Chelsea. They were walking toward us from the Jaffa Gate. We did some shopping, some bartering, then met the larger group as an Orthodox Jew shared his faith at his shop called Shoreshim. He talked about his deep love for God.

We ate lunch in the Jewish quarter. I had Latkes. Chelsea & I went to see the Karaite Synagogue (said to be the oldest Synagogue in Jerusalem). After all were finished with lunch Nancy Rogers and I went to see the Upper Room and the Tomb of David. Following this we walked back to the motel. Once all were settled I visited St. George Cathedral in Jerusalem.

Abut 4:30 p.m. our group boarded the bus again for dinner in Joppa. There was a fire on the highway so we took the back road through Modi’n, the home of the Maccabees. Shlomo told us Chanukah stories and we sang Chanukah songs. We even stopped in Modi’n for a restroom stop.

Then on to Joppa. The place we started is the place we finished. We ate a great dinner in Joppa, and then headed to the airport. Following check-in (Security found my bottle of water from the Dead Sea … also the residue of the Dead Sea on my sandles), we headed home. We had a great time, and are talking about wanting to go back in two years. Do you want to join us??

Israel Day 9 – Temple Mount and more

This morning we left early for our place in line to see the Temple Mount, occupied by the Dome of the Rock and Al Asca Mosques. We were second in line to enter at opening. After entering the mount we sat between the two Mosques for an orientation. Then we moved up to the plaza around the Dome of the Rock for a Bible lesson. Chelsea and I wandered to get some pictures of the grounds. The area was most interesting considering the history of the area as a place of worship and prophecies of the future.

We exited through a tunnel toward the Western Wall plaza (the "Kotel"). On the Plaza by the Western Wall there was a group dancing the Hora. Many of the group went down to the wall. I shared with several the Siddur books. As a group the men prayed at the wall. I then went into the covered area under Wilson’s Arch where more groups were praying and where there are shelves of Siddurs.

After prayers at the Western Wall we traveled past Bethlehem to Herodium. This is a mountain which was hollowed out and Herod’s palace built in the bowl. The top was a fantastic look out to communities south of Bethlehem and to the walls of Jerusalem to the north. Recently the tomb of King Herod was discovered on the side of the mountain facing Jerusalem.

After lunch at a Kibbutz, we returned to the City of David which is just south of Temple Mount. We entered an area where we could look down on a recently unearthed Palace of David. This palace is at the top of a steep hill (protection for the Jebusites) which rises above Gihon Spring. We walked down the stairs of the hill, where se could see other houses from a pavilion. They are built stair-step fashion with one home on top of another. If the walls of one home fail, the homes on top collapse. Excavations have told us who lived in several homes and showed what life was like in the City of David.

From the excavations we continued to descend into a water tunnel built by the Canaanites. At the end of this we descended to Hezekiah’s Tunnel. This is a 1,720 foot tunnel which carries water under the mountain to the pool of Siloam. Water begins about knee deep at the beginning of the tunnel and then gets shallower as it descends. There are curves in the tunnel, you can see how it was hand chiseled. And there is a marker where teams tunneling from each side met.

We exited at the Pool of Siloam. We did a mini-drama from John 9, which tells the story of how Jesus healed the blind man. John DeLancey told us how water was drawn from the Pool of Siloam and brought up to the Temple along a stepped walkway during the Feast of Tabernacles. When we departed the Pool of Siloam we walked part of this walkway, and then the recently excavated water drainage tunnel under the walkway. We exited under Robinson’s arch at the South-West corner of Temple Mount.

There is a huge archeological dig around the south end of the Temple. We walked through the digs to steps at the south side of the Temple leading up to the Hulda Gate and the Triple Gate. We walked the stairs to experience how worshippers entered the Temple in the days of Jesus.

On our way home we stopped at Gordon’s Golgotha and the Garden Tomb. This is the place commonly seen in pictures of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. After entering the tomb, which was empty, we went to a small chapel and held a communion service.
After dinner Chelsea, Sarah and I went into Jerusalem to see a Light show at the Tower of David, but it was sold out. We waited to see if there were any no-shows, and saw an antiquities store, and then a souvenir shop recently opened by two brothers. One of the brothers was trying to learn English, and invited us into the back room (under stone arches of the Jaffa Gate) for a cup of coffee. We enjoyed the conversation.

No seats were available so we left the Old City and walked towards Ben Yehuda Street. We walked through Alrov Mamilla Avenue, a newly opened upscale mall which combines the old and new Jerusalem. We took pictures at some of the musical statues. Then walked down to Ben Yehuda Street.

At Ben Yehuda Street we saw a clown dancer and took some video. We ate ice cream, and then walked home through the Orthodox neighborhood. We were further in this time, and the streets were narrow. Most of the people were in traditional clothing, and the girls commented that this is what it must have looked like in Eastern Europe. We enjoyed the evening.

Israel Day 8 – Full Day in Jerusalem

Today was our first full day in Jerusalem. Here are some pictures: https://plus.google.com/photos/115544123164287975321/albums/5761726037763508785?authkey=CKjs4fbz6MOBsQE

During the morning our goal was to walk the Via Dolorosa, or the traditional route Jesus took once he was arrested at the Mt. of Olives and taken to see Pilate. Accordingly the bus dropped us off at the ridge of the Mount of Olives. We took many pictures of Jerusalem from this traditional place, from the ridge to a Jewish Cemetery below the ridge to Dominus Flavet (the church of tears). At Dominus Flavet we saw tombs that were unearthed from the first century. We read from Luke 19, Acts 1, and Zechariah 14.

We walked from there to the Garden of Gethsemane where we saw the ancient olive trees and the Church of All Nations.

We continued down hill entering the Old City through the Lion's (St. Stephen's) Gate. Just inside the gate we went past St. Anne’s Church to see the Pools of Bethesda. We walked down into the pools where we saw the five covered colonnades (John 5). Next we went inside the St. Anne's Church. This is the traditional birthplace of Mary (as recorded in the apocryphal Gospel of James) and the home of her parents Joachim and Anne. We sat in the church and John explained to us the acoustics of the church. The ceiling holds the sound for eight seconds. We sang Allelujah and then Amazing Grace – and heard our voices singing back to us. The sound was very beautiful.

We continued to walk the Via Dolorosa, stopping at several "stations" of the cross to remember Christ's journey to Calvary. We stopped at the Church of the Condemnation and the Church of Flagellation then continued down the road to the Ecce Homo Church where we went down stairs to a Roman floor that has been uncovered. It was supposed that this was the place that Pilate used as his seat of judgment because it was close to the Roman fortress of Antonia, however, the seat of Judgment has been uncovered near the Jaffa Gate. The area we visited is thought to be the marketplace during the time of Emperor Hadrian. Part of the triple arched entrance still exists as an arch over the street.

We continued down the Via Dolorosa to see the places that Jesus fell, the place he met his mother, the place where Simon the Cyrene helped him carry the cross, and the location where Veronica wiped his face. (of course none of this is known for sure, and in the case of Veronica, it is not even Biblical).

We followed the Via Dolorosa past the Coptic Monastery and to the entrance of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We did not go in, that would wait a couple of days. Instead we went to the Muristan marketplace and ate lunch. After lunch we exited the Old City through the Jaffa Gate and rode the bus to the Israeli Museum.

At the Israeli Museum we first saw the scale model of Jerusalem during the second Temple period. The various areas of the city were explained. Then we went into the Archaeological Museum, where Shlomo explained that this museum is equivalent to the Smithsonian. He showed us a couple of exhibits, and then told us we had 20 minutes to see the rest of the Museum. Impossible!! I tried to snap pictures as fast as possible. This is a place I will need to return in the future without a guide limiting my time.

Following the museum we went to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.. Shlomo shared stories of his family from a book he has written, “Legacy Interrupted.” We saw the Hall of Remembrance which was very visual, and the Holocaust History Museum, which was a picture of anti-Semitism and the sufferings of the Jewish people leading up to and during the Hitler era. The museum showed how they piled discrimination with persecution with torture and death. It showed the movements of the German army to annihilate the Jewish people, even as they were losing the war.

After a time of reflection, we went to the motel and ate dinner. Then Chelsea and I went to Ben Yehuda Street to go shopping. I found a Mezuzah and a Kippah, and was able to bargain for both. We saw a group of Syrian protesters march down the street. We walked back by the Orthodox neighborhood on the Street of the Prophets.

Israel Day 7 - The Dead Sea

This day was the Sabbath in Israel, and many shops and attractions would be shut down in Jerusalem, so, our group went a different direction … to the Dead Sea. Because the day was going to be hot we started out early, eating breakfast and then leaving by 7:15a.m. We drove down the road (4,000 feet) from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. The terrain was very sandy. This was the Judean wilderness. One could literally see how Jesus could be tempted to turn these rocks into bread.

Our first stop was at Ein Gedi. Ein Gedi is a nature preserve. We saw the trees along the road. There were Coneys in the trees and also atop some of the rocks. Normally Coneys run when they see you. When I walked up next to one, I noticed it was panting, affected by the heat. It did not run, but it did walk. We were also able to get close to antelope.

From the entrance we walked down a valley between the hills on a rock path. There were caves along this rock path. This was the place David hid from King Saul (1 Samuel 24). There was a stream there, a rare bit of moisture in a barren wilderness. Grass and other plants were growing, more and more the further we hiked into the canyon. Up stream at the 2nd water falls the pool was deep enough to take a dip. Many took their shoes off and got into the water.

We traveled further south to Masada. This was King Herod’s desert fortress. It was built to withstand attacks. The top of the mountain (fortress) sits 1,000 feet above the Dead Sea. There is a path up to the top, called the snake path because of its curves. John & Sue DeLancey ran the path (20 minutes). As they arrived, the path was closed for heat. The rest of the group took a cable car to the top. The view was amazing.

Some believe that Jonathan, one of the Maccabees built the original fortress upon the mountain. King Herod greatly expanded it, knowing it would be a place of safety for him. There were storehouses that contained food for years. There was a 1,440,000 cubic feet cistern on top of the mountain which would catch what little rain fell (and we were told about a huge rain storm that comes every several years). Herod could be protected for years if his people ever turned against him. They did not.

What did happen, though, is that at the time Jerusalem fell, a group of Zealots displaced the small Roman garrison upon the mountain and fortified it. The Romans tried to remove them as they worked to end the resistance. But the fortress was too strong, and 967 Zealots were occupying the top. The Romans eventually sent 10,000 and 15,000 troops commanded by Roman General Silva to conquer the Zealots. The Romans built a retaining wall and 8 separate camps around this fortress to lay siege, but the fortress was too well stocked. Finally the Romans built a ramp up the back side of the fortress, and after 3 years of confrontation, entered, only to find the Jews had committed suicide rather than suffer at the hands of the Romans. Shlomo read a passage from Josephus which contained the impassioned speech by their leader.

From Masada, we headed north to Qumran, after lunch several of us took an optional hike up the mountain to see the caves. This is the place where in 1947 a shepherd boy found the Dead Sea Scrolls. Several climbed through one of the caves, which was several caves chiseled together to form one larger unit.

Following our hike John and Shlomo shared how the scrolls were written, and what went on in the Qumran community. Following our tour we went to the Dead Sea to “swim,” or should I say float. To get in, you wade out to mid thigh, then you lay back. We floated. We floated beyond where we could stand up, and then someone said, “Try to put your feet down.” We managed to do it, but this was difficult because of the mineral content of the water. It felt much like a water bed as I lay and rested in the water.

On the return trip to Jerusalem we visited Jericho. We saw a sycamore tree. (Luke 19) We visited the Tel at Jericho and saw the layers of city and excavations including the clay wall from Joshua’s time period. (Joshua 6) We saw a fountain which proclaimed Jericho as the world’s oldest city, 1300 feet below sea level.
On our way we pulled off the main road to find an overlook where we could see the old road from Jericho to Jerusalem. (Luke 10) This area is also known as Wadi Qelt. Below us at the location we stopped there was St. George's monastery. This monastery is built into the rock. It is very beautiful.

Israel Day 6 – Traveling South

This day we packed and left our kibbutz to travel south down the Jordan Valley. We drove through Tzemach Junction, Degania Alef, and then stopped at the Kinneret Cemetary. We visited the grave of Rachel (last name not on the tombstone because she is so well known). Rachel is a poet who lived 1890-1931. Shlomo read her poetry, and we took our last look at the Sea of Galilee before heading south.

We stopped at Bet She’an. This is the most impressive archeological site we visited. The ruins are immense. We started by looking at the map of the city. Then we walked on the Cardo, “Palladius Street,” a 500 foot long colonnaded street. On the upper side there were mosaics left from the shops that were once there. The lower side was the Agora, a concourse surrounded by porticoes in the center of the city. Beyond this we visited the bath house with its pools and public lavatories. We also saw the Theater built about the time of Jesus. This is a 7,000 seat theater with three levels. (1 Samuel 31:8-13)

After Bet She’an we traveled south to the foot of Mt. Gilboa where there are springs. We swam at Sachni, a series of natural pools fed by hot springs There are at least three pools to swim in. We swam the Middle and upper pool. In the upper pool there is a cave at the top end where people can gather out of the sun. When we were swimming we spotted three men (later joined by a fourth) in the late 50’s or early 60’s who were arguing about whether breakfast was kosher. They weighed the options and foods and service. At times they got animated and loud (which was amplified by the cave). Chelsea & I decided that this is what must have occurred in meetings of the Sanhedrin.

Following our swim we headed south. The landscape became more and more barren. There were date farms and other farms with crops that do well in arid conditions. At times there was only sand as we traveled. We drove by Jericho, and then began a climb up to Jerusalem. Along the way we saw Bedouin villages. Some had sheep, a few camels and donkeys were to be seen. The Bedouins built their villages out of scrap materials.

At the top of the mountain (we climbed about 4000’) we began seeing apartments. The Bus driver began to play "The Holy City." Then we went through a tunnel (under Mt. Scopus), and when we came out we saw the walled city of Jerusalem and the Dome of the Rock. We took pictures, and continued to travel to Bethlehem.

After crossing the border, we traveled through Bethlehem to lunch. Following lunch, we visited the Church of Nativity. This church was built in AD 333. We were able to see the entrance of the church, the pillars, some of the flooring which has been restored, however, just when we were next in line to enter the area with the nativity we were told a mass would be starting. Rather than waiting an hour we left.
We went to a shop in Bethlehem to look at souvenirs. They did not have anything I was looking for, so I went outside. There were Palestinian “merchants” outside with cheaper goods. I did purchase some postcards from one of these “merchants.” When Chelsea joined me, one of the men noticed her. He saw her beauty, and offered me 15 camels for her. I put him off. He came up to 25 camels. I told him I was not interested. Finally he offered 45 camels, which I was told was a very good price.
Upon leaving Bethlehem, we departed for our motel in Jerusalem. We checked in, at dinner, and went with part of the group on an optional walk. We were only a few blocks from the Damascus Gate of the walled city, and entered there on the north, and walked to the south side of the city to visit the Western Wall. It was packed with ultra-orthodox Jews, celebrating the evening of Sabbath. I went in to pray also, as did Chelsea and Sarah. It was a great experience.

Israel Day 5 – Walking where Jesus walked

The morning started out with a great breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt, grains and some herring. Jesus ate fish for breakfast (John 21:9)

After breakfast we boarded the bus and traveled to Mt. Arbel. This is a beautiful place overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the villages of Jesus’ Galilee ministry. This was also the location of a major battle between Herod and the Galilean Zealots who lived in caves in the sheer rock cliffs of the mountain.

After taking in the view and hearing the drama of the Zealot’s battle, our tour leader John DeLancey called us under a Carob Tree. He explained how he had camped at this location in his early days in Israel. He shared with us this was a celebration of his 25th anniversary and made a vow of recommitment to his wife. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSGi6hZkJ5g

From the mountain we descended toward the Sea of Galilee to see the place where Jesus shared his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). There is a beautiful garden and a church at this location. The garden has beautiful Bougainvillea bushes. Looking down the hill there is a natural amphitheater where a person can speak and be heard by several thousand people. Today there is a banana grove in this bowl. We were told to view the banana trees as people standing in the valley. Pictures are at my photo album - https://plus.google.com/u/1/photos/115544123164287975321/albums/5761026986035271169?authkey=COqExoL17_GkVw

From here we traveled uphill to the ruins of Chorazin. Jesus had words of condemnation for Korazim (Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13) Here we saw the ritual bath (mikvah) and the Synagogue.

Then we traveled to the town of Capernaum where Jesus spent much of his ministry (Mt 4:13; 8:5; 17:24). There are extensive ruins here including a white synagogue. Although this synagogue was built after the times of Jesus, there is a visible foundation that could date to Jesus’ times. We also walked in the chapel with a glass floor which looks down to the ome of Peter where his mother-in-law was healed.
We drove a short distance to Tabgha and the chapel of multiplication where Jesus multiplied two fish and five loaves to feed 5,000 people (Mt 14:15-21). There are seven springs in the area so it is also called the Heptapegon.

From there we traveled to Kibbutz Ginnosar for lunch, to view the Jesus Boat, and for a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. The Jesus boat was discovered during a drought in the area when the level of the sea was low. Tow amateur archeologists found a nail, which was attached to wood. Further investigation found there was a boat completely buried in the mud. The museum shows the steps take to preserve the wood and keep it from falling apart. The boat is on display in the museum. It is made of 12 kinds of wood (mostly repairs).

One of our group members, Christian Stillman wrote “The Jesus Boat Book: Living Proof of a Modern Day Miracle in Galilee.” Christian shared the story of the boat and the people who discovered the boat.

From here we boarded our boat for a ride on the Sea of Galilee. We were able to see the ancient Biblical cities. We also saw the sailboats out on the beautiful day on the lake. Windsurfing is a popular sport in Israel. On the boat we sang songs and enjoyed the cool breeze.

From Ginnosar we traveled through Tiberias to the Jordan River, a location called Yardenit where we held a baptismal service. I assisted John as we baptized 14 people. This is a beautiful section of the Jordan with emerald green waters. There were muskrats and catfish swimming in the river.

We went back to our Kibbutz to swim in the Sea of Galilee and eat dinner. Jamie Cowan, a Rabbi Chelsea knew in Richmond, Va, ate dinner and spoke during devotions with our group. Jamie now lives in the Jezreel Valley.

Israel Day 4 – Going North

After a great breakfast we traveled north along the east side of the Sea of Galilee. This is the region of Decapolis, ten Greek cities. The area would be a foreign and prohibited country yet, except that Israel took possession of this territory from Jordan and Syria in the wars. We saw on this road the region of the Gerasenes where Jesus cast the demons out of a man and into pigs that went running into the sea.

After traveling up the road we stopped at Hazor, a national park and site of archeological digs. At this site we saw the palace of Jabin (see yesterday’s blog). They have uncovered the old ruins, and restored the walls about half way up. Hazor is on the travel route from Babylon to Egypt through the Jordan Valley. Joshua conquered the city from the Canaanites. Solomon fortified this city along with Megiddo.

From here we continued to go north to Dan, one of the three sources of the Jordan River. While much of the Jordan is an anemic creek, the Dan River is a rushing, mighty force. The water pours out of the rock, and there is much lush vegetation. We enjoyed walking along the river, and on rocks in the river to see this area. There are fig trees along the way that tower overhead and provide great shade. Within the park are two ruins. One of these is the city of Dan. Jeroboam set up a center of worship here to compete with the Temple. Golden calves were placed in the Temple, which has been uncovered. We also saw a Canaanite city of Laish at this site. The gate has been uncovered, with a roof placed overhead to prevent deterioration.

From Dan, it is only a short way to Banias Spring on the Hermon River. At this spot there was built a temple to Pan and other gods of the Romans. This site is also called Caesarea Philippi. We sat along the beautiful spring and listened as Pastor John told how Jesus said, “Upon this Rock I will build my church.” We walked among the carved out temples, and up to an old foundation before we exited the park.

From Banias Spring, we traveled up the mountain to Nimrod, a crusader fortress built 1227. This fortress was built to control the road from the Jordan Valley past Hula valley to Syria. The fort is located high on a hill, with huge walls. We saw the fortress inside and out.

We ate lunch at a Druze diner on the slopes of Mt. Hermon. We were served Falafels.

From this point we traveled south to Fortress Bental. This fortress is on an extinct volcano. Actually there are a chain of volcanoes in the are that form the Golan boundary between Syria and Israel. The place is strategic. In the area we visited there is a steep ridge with farms below on broad plains. Before 1967 the Syrians were launching rockets off the mountain deep into Israel. Since the capture, there has been safety. We were able to look into Syria and also see the fortifications of the mountain. This was a place of intense fighting.
I was wounded there myself. While looking at the metal sculpture, I was stung by a bee. Dr. Tagg was close by to render emergency aid. My finger barely swelled.
We traveled from this place of engagement to Katzrin, a village from the Talmudic period. There are several houses which have been restored and furnished with period accessories. We visited both the homes and the Synagogue.

As we headed back to the Sea of Galilee we visited a new site, Bethsaida, where it was supposed that Peter lived. A house was excavated which continued fishing gear, and the town is close enough to the sea of Galilee that fishermen could have lived there.

Israel Day 3 – From Sea to Shining Sea

We began the day with a great breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean. Breakfast in Israel is Kosher (Ge 7:2; Lev 11; Dt 14:1-21). One of the things that means is that meat and milk are not served in the same meal (Ex 23:19; 34:36; Dt 14:21). Breakfast is a dairy meal. There was also fruit, vegetables, breads, eggs and fish. This was similar every day.

After packing the bus (and taking a picture next to a bronze Fiddler on the Roof), we were off to the north.

Our first stop was at Caesarea. King Herod built this port city as a place for his palace. We visited the Theater, where we learned the difference between a Theater (for speakers and meetings) and an Amphitheatre (for sporting events). We were also shown the mechanics of the sound system, which included places for large stone jars to amplify a speaker’s voice.

We visited the ruins of the Palace, which is built into the Mediterranean and takes advantage of the breezes to cool the building. There is also a fresh water pool in the middle of the Mediterranean. On the top end of Caesarea is a crusader fortress. There are shops built into this fortress. Following our visit to the city, we saw the Aqueduct and picked up some shells.

From Caesarea we traveled up Mount Carmel through the Yokne’am Pass to the Muhraqa Carmelite Chapel on Mount Carmel. This, by tradition, is the place where Elijah met the prophets of Baal and called fire down from heaven. We went up to the roof, where we could look out over all of Jezreel Valley. The acoustics of the chapel are very beautiful.

After the Carmelite Chapel we traveled roads on Mt. Carmel to Megiddo Pass and Tel Megiddo. Here John explained to us trade routes through the area and why Megiddo Pass was so valuable. We find constant battles in this area. In 1468 BC Pharaoh Thutmose III defeated a Canaanite army here. Joshua also captured the city. Deborah and Barak fought King Jabin and Sisera here. Solomon conquered and fortified Megiddo, and so forth, many battles including the final battle have and will be fought here. We walked the Tel and saw many gates and layers of history. We also had a great panoramic view of Mt. Carmel, Nazareth, Mt Tabor, Mt. Moreh and Mt. Gilboa where King Solomon died.

Leaving Megiddo we crossed Jezreel Valley and climbed the road into Nazareth. We stopped at the Precipitous, where John read us Luke 4:13-30. This site was another great view of the valley and it’s recent wheat harvest.

We left Nazareth, traveled through Cana to the Sea of Galilee. We stopped to view the Sea of Galilee from Sea Level (clearly marked on the road). The Sea of Galilee is 700’ below sea level. From there, we traveled to Ma’agan Kibbutz, our home for the next three nights. This Kibbutz raises wonderful fruit, including dates. These were served at every meal. There were also peacocks … see Sarah’s video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0RBpjlJ1EU&feature=share. You will see a Peacock, and a muskrat from the Jordan River.

At this kibbutz there is a beach where we had devotions and went swimming. At night from the beach we could see cities all around the lake (Mt 5:14).

Israel Day 1-2 – Up, Up and away

Our journey began Sunday, June 17 … where else, but in church. This is where the planning began, and where our group is from. We left the church parking lot on the church bus at 3:00 p.m. (I want to thank Don Gullett for driving us) for our trip to the airport, and our 5:50 flight to Philadelphia to meet our tour leader John Delancey and the tour group.

Our flight to Israel left at 9:15 p.m. We were served dinner, then the blinds were closed and we were encouraged to sleep. During that time we did look out the window, and saw New York City, Long Island, Boston, Cape Cod, and Newfoundland. I tried to sleep. It is hard when you are squeezed into a tight space sitting up. I drifted in and out, half an hour here, an hour there (I had a gps tracker in front of me on the plane with the time). I managed to sleep about 5 hours of our 10 hour flight.

I cracked the window after dawn over France. It was green and I enjoyed seeing the farms from 38,000 feet in the air. I looked again, and saw the Mediterranean Sea just south of Rome. It was beautiful. I could not take my eyes off the terrain. The girls looked also, at Naples, the coast, the mountains, and the boot of Italy. We flew over Greece, saw Corinth, then Mount Olympus and the islands of the Aegean Sea.

Then there was Israel. A circle over Lod (Biblical Lydda - Acts 9:38), and the landing at the airport. We walked down the Ramp, and were greeted by a larger than life Mezuzah Passing through immigration, we met our Israeli tour guide Shlomo Ben-Asher.

Then we were off through Tel-Aviv for our first stop in the old city of Joppa. In Joppa we walked the narrow streets of the old city. We saw the supposed home of Simon the Tanner (Acts 9:43). (We were told te buildings dated from the 19th Century). We climbed the steps for a great view of the Mediterranean where we could see Andromeda Rock. We came back out to the plaza where we saw the fountains and the statue of Jonah’s whale.

Returning to our bus, we traveled north to Netanya where we spent the night. Denise & I had a room by the pool on the first floor. Chelsea and Sarah had a room on the 15th floor with a great view. We ate dinner – lots of fresh salads, and then went to the beach for a dip in the sea and an opportunity to collect some interesting rocks.

Israel Day 0 - Is it a Calling

For a many years I did not have the desire to go to Israel. Why was that? Perhaps it was because I did not have the money. Perhaps it was because I did not have the Biblical background to take it in. Perhaps it was just because the calling was not there yet.

Israel has been a part of my life for years. From the beginning of my life I have heard stories about the land. I have studied the Bible. As a boy I planted trees in Israel. I have prayed for the people. I have watched the struggles of the young nation as its boundaries are constantly challenged. I went to school to learn more about the Bible and events in Israel from the beginning of time. I have taught about the people and the land (even making relief maps). But yet, there was not the driving call to go to the land.

About eight years ago watching a video on Israel, the desire did come. I began to see how events and geography are tied together. In a video by Ray Vanderlaan I saw how close Nazareth (Where Jesus grew up), Megiddo (Where the last battle will take place) and Mt. Carmel (Where Elijah challenged the prophets of Jezebel) were actually located. I knew it was time to go and see the land for myself.

I began talking to others from my church who wanted to go. But things were not coming together. Other ministers from the area made several trips to Israel, and I had the opportunity to go. But the time was not yet.

Then a member of the church, Tagg Murn, came and said, I know who should take us to Israel. I followed up by looking at John Delancey and Biblical Israel Tours. I found in John someone who loves the Bible, who loves the land, who has the experience because he has been to the land many times, and a man who loves to teach about what we are seeing and connect the Bible and the land. It was time to go.

John came to Peninsula and told us more about the trip. He gave us two books (a devotional and a book that told us the history, the Bible stories, and the archeological finds from each of the places we would visit), and told us what it would take to go to Israel.

Of course I wanted Denise to go. Chelsea and Sarah wanted to go also. The Lord helped us find the money to go to Israel, and we signed up. We also began asking people to go with us. Tagg and Lisa came. Good friends Michael and Inae Parrish joined us. Kenny and Todd Fields also came on the trip. Nancy Rogers, a friend of Denise’s parents who we have known for years came from Great Bend. John opened the trip to others, and a group of 44 people from all over the United States (and two from England) formed to complete the trip.

As the group formed, I began reading. John gave me a third book: Regions on the Run, an atlas, which helped me really understand the land and why things happened where they did. This took me well beyond the old relief maps that I had made in classes. I took the travel agenda and the study book John had given us, and began to look at where we would go day by day. I wrote notes, and looked for more information where I had questions. Then I began to look at the places we would pass between each of the places we were visiting. I made notes, uploaded it to my Kindle and prepared to go. All this served well on the trip. As we traveled, I could look at my notes. Some things were already in my mind through the preparation. I could spend time seeing, experiencing, and learning more. I was able to take pictures (our group had hearing units that allowed us to hear what was being said, while we wandered a bit). The time had come and we were ready to go.

Counting the Omer

How often have you said "I'm counting the days until ..."? We are in the middle of counting the days ... Today is twenty-eight days, which is four weeks of the Omer. While most Christians are totally unaware of "Counting the Omer," counting days is Biblical. We read about the requirement to count in Leviticus 23:15-16. There are fifty days from Passover to Shavuot, or fifty days from the spring harvest of barley until the summer harvest of wheat. The Jewish people count the days in anticipation. Actually, the count is not in anticipation of the wheat harvest. Although we enjoy wheat products, the count really anticipates the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. The Midrash Rabbah Parashas Emor explains that when the Children of Israel left Egypt they were told by Moses that 49 days after the exodus, they would be given the Torah. The Jews count the days in anticipation. When Moses came to Egypt he came into an unformed, dis-unified group of slaves. He worked to bring them together, leading them out of Egypt to the place where the law would be received. The people of Israel became a distinct people when they received the law at Mount Sinai. Many point to this as the birth of the nation of Israel. In Acts 1 there is a numbering of days. This is because Jesus told the disciples, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." On the day that Jesus died, the disciples were disorganized. Fifty days later they became a distinct people with a mission through the giving of the Holy Spirit. Many point to this as the birth of the church.

Sunday School in High Definition

Last week I attended the conference "Sunday School in High Definition" at First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia. The meeting was a great time of renewal and retraining. We all need that sometimes.

During the conference we looked at the three things that must happen each and every week in each Sunday School class:
Reach People for Christ
Teach the Bible
Minister to People.

We all understand the task of teaching the Bible to our class. We do this in various ways. Some groups barely scratch the surface. Other groups dive deep, extracting Greek or Hebrew words, doing tense studies and cross references. Other groups teach relationally. Lessons can be taught by lecture, discussion, or with creative methods.

One of our leaders pointed out that Teaching is only part of the class. Sunday School classes are not College Classes, but they are Great Commission communities.

We were encouraged to reach out. There are many in our world who do not know the Gospel. There are many who do not know the name of Christ. We must share the Good News. Long ago Arthur Flake thought a Sunday School was a failure if at least a third of the attendees was not lost. Sunday School is a great place to share the Gospel as we share God's Word. Sunday School is an ideal place for members to invite friends if they fully understand the purpose of Sunday School.

Sunday School is also a community where we serve on another. Care Leaders are enlisted to accomplish this in the class. contacts are made each week to every member of each Sunday School class. If needs are found, the class reaches out and ministers. The Sunday School classes pass ministry needs and prayer requests to the Pastor each week.

Sunday School classes are created with the purpose of Reaching the Lost, Teaching the Bible, and Caring for members. We need to weekly re-commit to these tasks.

Haman vrs. Mordachi

Recently we celebrated Purim. (You did, didn't you - it's in the Bible - Esther 9:26)

Have you ever thought about the difference between Haman (BOOO!) and Mordecai (YEAH!!) Haman was totally interested in self. Haman loved his seat of honor (3:1-2). He hated it when Mordecai would not bow down to him (3:5). Haman was pleased when he was honored (like the king 5:9-12). He bragged about his wealth (5:11). Haman was a Narcissist.

Mordecai cared for others. He raised his cousin Esther because her parents had died. When he heard a plot to kill the King, he shared it with the King and saved his life. He worshiped only God. He would bow down to no man. Mordecai served God. When his people were in danger, Mordecai was willing to put his own life in danger to save them. Mordecai had his priorities right.

So a thought for Purim ... Who are you more like. Is your main interest self, or do you care for God and others. Do you look out for "Number 1" or are your priorities balanced.

Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' and `Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31