CHURCH OF THE EMPTY TOMB

"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples. . .'" (Matthew 28: 5-7).

1-17-08

The top picture is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Tradition says that the tomb of Jesus is inside the church. I think the location is probably correct, but it certainly doesn't look like it. But the emperer, Hadrian, marked the spot in the second century by building a pagan temple over it, thus Christians would always know where it was. Then in the 4th century, Helena, the mother of Constantine directed that a church should be built there. Tomorrow I will have a picture of another site that actually looks like what the site should look like, but the evidence isn't as strong. All of the truth of Christian doctrine depends on the resurrection of Jesus (I Corinthians 15:17). I think a more appropriate name would be Church of the Empty Tomb.

The other picture is of the Western (Wailing) Wall. This is a place of worship and national ceremoney. The atmosphere was electric when our group was there. They were preparing for a military swearing in ceremoney. With the orthodox Jews crowded at the wall and the plaza filled with military personnel and their families, there was just an indescribable feeling in the air--like God was about to do something.

This was another long day for us that ended long after dark. We went to the Antonia Fortress, we saw the games the Roman soldiers carved in the pavement. We followed the Via Dolorosa, the way of sorrows. When we walked the Via Dolorosa it was very crowded with people. The streets are narrow and there are many corners to turn and street vendors to deal with, so it is easy to get lost and/or your pocket picked. So Dr. Harris, or group leader, asked me, and another man in our group, to bring up the rear and make sure we all stayed together. At one point in this walk, while I was trying to keep our group together, a Palastinian shop keeper thought I was moving too slowly. He yelled at me, "Move on American!" I didn't know if he was speaking to me so I looked at him. He said, "Yes, you! Move on American!" "We hate Americans here!" So, on the day we went to Bethlehem, one Palestinian shop keeper told our group, "God Bless America!" and we spent lots of money. On this day a Palestinians says, "We hate Americans here!" He didn't get any of our money and will make it more difficult for all Palestinians!

We spent the last part of our day at the southern wall excavations of the temple, Robinson's arch and the teaching steps where the apostles taught. It was lighted in the darkness. We could hear the military ceremoneys. It was inspiring to know that it was here that our Spiritual history was made.

Grace&Peace,
Tom