Holy Land Your (Written by Cade)
Day 1 (April 28th)
Tel Aviv / Jaffa (Joppa) / Caesarea Maritima / Mt. Carmel (located in Tiberias)
Feelings
I loved the theme of the trip, be “flexible and friendly.” It caused me many times to be more patient, and enjoy more of the journey. We packed a carry-on suitcase that made it with a few sets of clothing, but our primary larger bag didn’t join us until the end of Tour Day 2. All good.
Landing in the Holy Land was hard to explain. This is where I’ve always wanted to visit. It is truly the number one item on my bucket list. Everything was exciting….even just looking from a hotel out at the mediterranean sea. Some parts of the trip looked how I had imagined (especially down by the Dead Sea - just a barren desert wasteland. But most of the Holy Land was fertile, and looked like Utah / Northern Arizona where I grew up. Easy to see why it was a choice land (the land of Canaan / promised land in days of old)
Visiting Mt. Carmel was peaceful and Hank gave a lesson on 1 Kings 16-17 with Elijah. This was during the time of the Northern / Southern Kingdoms, and Elijah was sent to the Northern Kingdom to King Ahab and his wife Jezabel. The Northern Kingdom never had a righteous King. We thought back to the gentile widow that he visited, was the only person to accept him as a prophet. Jesus would later quote that story when in Nazareth and preaching in the Temple.
This great verse was discussed: 1 Kings 18:21 - “How Long Halt Ye Between Two Opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.”
Essentially the message is - [Make up your mind] Why are we watching this show? Why are we scrolling through this app? What can I be done with? Let’s get out and minister…give up on something that isn’t the work and look for a clear sign from God.
Day 2 (Apr 29th)
Cana / Church of Annunciation / Nazareth Village / Nazareth Precipice / Megiddo
Feelings
I really enjoyed the sermon at Cana. It was already just incredibly cool to be standing in the place where Jesus did his first miracle. In fact, just staying the night in THE Nazareth, the town where he grew up, was really neat. I loved how Hank gave some great insights. The story might teach us that Christ can change us and heal us from the inside out, not just the look, but a full chemical change (look at the definition of repentance)
Another lesson is that whatever little thing he asks us to do…we should do it. That is what Mary asked the guest of the house to do. Another insight is that water and wine are deeply symbolic representations of Christ. I loved it…I also loved the preserved ruins of what was identified (By Helen) to be the place of Mary’s home, where Gabriel would have visited.
I also loved the Nazareth village tour because it was located in Old Nazareth, and there was the Story in Mark 12 about what we might have just seen:
1 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.
Well - talk about having the scriptures come alive for you. I stood there and marveled that Jesus spent his early live living and gaining experiences, and that he would of course teach from those examples.
We did take a picture in what would have looked like a small synagogue - where Jesus would have read from the scroll of Isaiah (Isaiah 61) - as told in Luke 4:18. He immediately then told them the stories of Naman and the widow from Sidon - both were gentiles (close by) who accepted the prophets when their home towns would not.
We stood up on that mount of precipice, made me wonder how I would have reacted. Clearly God uses the unexpected…would I have listened to him? We need to FORGET what people did back in the day, don’t be like Nazareth. Think of miracles, God wants to give us miracles, but we stop the Lord from giving blessings because we don’t believe him, we sometimes believe IN him, but we don’t believe HIM.
Quick Thought on Meggido - (Armageddon) Are we scared for our kids? Remember The Battle is NOT yours, it is Gods. When you think of the last days, stop being scared, God said I will protect you. Evil usually turns on evil.
2 Chronicles 20:1-31 - Just the coolest story of the Lord Fighting the battles - we have to do is be faithful. Jehosophat was one of the Southern Righteous kings ruled- 870-850 BC
Insights
Jesus was primarily a stone mason
The Emperor Constantine had a wife named Helen - she identified most of the relics / holy places in the Holy Land where the Catholic Church now builds churches. That is how that Church plays homage to God.
Mary was a 14 Year old girl, likely helping grow grapes, raise sheep.
Netser / Netsereth / Nazareth means “offshoot” - we took a picture of an olive tree that was 400 years old and had an offshoot. Those are typically cut off so the tree can remain healthy.
We visited Meggido
During the time of King Ahab - reference to Armageddon (Revalations 16) - the chapter heading isn’t super accurate
Gathered them together Hal Meggido (referencing in Joel 3 the gathering of all nations into the valley jehosophat, King of Judah, 2 Chronicles 20:12) - At the end of the day, Hank mentioned that “the battle is not yours, it is Gods”
Story of Jehosophat - God had him put the choir out front, and the enemies ended up destroying each other. (Was a battle closer over the Dead Sea) - but was a great example.
I think Hank was trying to say that the place might have referred more to the general scattering prophecy, or may be more symbolic. The important thing to take away, was that God fights battles for us if we are faithful.
In the evening on this day we went to Machmud's Home for dinner. His wife and daughters prepared and served all 40+ of us! It was amazing. He is our amazing bus driver and were very fortunate to get to know him and be around him. He is a Muslim Sheik and has over 1000 followers in his group. He is very well known in Israel and was able to get us into places normal groups would not have been able to. We were very grateful for Machmud!!
Day 3 (April 30th)
Caesarea Philllipi / Mount of Beatitudes / Magdala / Sea of Galilee / Capernaum
Feelings
This was probably one of the first days where I felt overwhelmed with Joy, and excitement. Being on the Mount of Beatitudes, on the Sea of Galilee, and in Capernaum where Peter was from, gave meaning to “walking where he walked.” These were the places where he called disciples, did miracles, brought so much wonder, amazement, and joy to those who followed him. I was constantly running through scenes of the chosen in my mind, I was completely surprised at the landscape….it looked like Bear Lake or Deer Creek, it looked like we could have been in Prescott or Utah…it was not a barren desert, but rather a beautiful and fertile land.
Matthew 16:13-20 When Jesus came into the coasts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
How cool to go and see the Roman Ruins that were there…..this was portrayed well in the Chosen. We mostly talked together about receiving revelation. We also talked about Peter…and the Lord’s ability to change people. He turns a Fisherman, into a powerhouse where people want to get into his shadow.
I’ve been on a lot of lakes….but Jesus walked on that one. Hard to explain…other than this body of water had stories to tell….of fisherman, of storms, of a man walking on it. Interesting that Tilapia was the Fish of that day.
Just a small thing….but when we were leaving Capernaum, after having learned in Matthew 8 about sleeping through the storm….we actually experienced a storm there in Galilee, and saw a tree snap in half. Was a cool testament that storms rise up on that lake. Our tour guide mentioned that he had never seen that…same with Hank Smith…it really was like God testifying that yes….the story happened exactly how I said it did…..would have been rough in a Fishing boat.
Insights
It was said of Herod the Great…that it is better to be a pig than his son. When he “became a Jew” he married one of the Macabee women, and had two sons…later killing all three of them.
Note that scattered Israel likely produced the three wise men
Note about the Restoration of the gospel….there are Christian churches on the earth….those never fully went away. The movement stayed. What happened, was the “Promise” - the Abrahamic covenant was forgotten. Note what Moroni told Joseph Smith, we are gathering Israel, restoring the Abrahamic covenant that has been lost.
The tool for gathering Israel is the Book of Mormon…note the title page of the Book of Mormon.
The Sermon on the Mount is the greatest sermon ever. Hank talked about Guilt and Shame. Guilt, I did this thing, I feel pain, I’m going to correct it. Shame - I’m a bad person.
It is not fair to judge yesterdays mistakes with today’s knowledge. We beat ourselves up, that is not how the Lord works. The Lord looks forward…we just have to be willing.
Matthew 6:24 - No man can service two masters. Are you working on being entertained or working to serve the Lord. The Lord wants us to be happy, so face him, pick a direction.
Cool story about Lyman Johnson in the D&C History….he was buying up land in Missouri and then selling it to the Saints at great profit….Brigham Young asked him…. “Who’s Kingdom are you trying to build….yours? Or Gods?”
Jesus tells a joke about the 2x4 (beam) in your eye, versus the piece of sawdust. Stop judging, work on yourself, we can change ourselves.
Unsolicited advice will always seem like criticism…if you truly want someone (like your spouse) to change, get them to the Temple.
Matthew 5:38 - the Eye for an Eye comment….was not about revenge, but restitution, to help someone be whole again. It is about taking power back. Let’s say I get hit in the face….I say, now hit me here….. I’m dictating.
A Hypocrite is an actor - they are pretending
If the Holy Ghost brings someone to mind that has ought against you….go take care of the falling away….go reconcile that.
Interesting symbol in the tile in Magdala…looked like a swastika…but it was a positive symbol anciently. (Good luck, life, prosperity)
Magdala: Jesus was the greatest defender of women
Matt 19:6-7 - He does not mention the woman, she is fine, it is the men who cause her to sin
Matt 5:31 - she is forced to commit adultery, she is left out of the problem, men use their power to take advantage of women
Women were not allowed to be a legal witness in Jesus’ time…well, when he is resurrected, who did he use as his first witnesses? Women.
Mark 5:25 - she had medical and social problems….Jesus loves his daughters….she only had to touch him.
Capernaum: 5 apostles lived there, Matthew taught about miracles
Matthew 8 - The leper, the roman asked Jesus to heal his servant, peter’s Mother in law (this happened in Peter’s home, which was right under the Church we were at (with the boat in the middle of it), Jesus calmed the storm.
Hank made the point about the word of wisdom….it is not about health. It is about the Lord choosing things that make us different….it is about being a peculiar people.
Luke 7 - story of Pharisee Simon, where a women brings in the most amazing buche / sephora box of ointment. The question Jesus asks Simon… “Do you see this woman?” Awesome example for all of us…. She is a person, a child of God, BE more gentle with people. don’t label or judge.
Day 4 (May 1st)
Bet She’an / Jordan Valley / Jordan River (Bethabara) / Dead Sea Swim / Jericho / Church of Holy Sepulcher
Feelings
I genuinely enjoy history, and seeing ruins. So being able to see Ruins from 2000+ years in tact was amazing…..and it was of course really fun to swim in the Dead Sea. But I have to admit, the feelings in these places didn’t compare to what I had just felt the day before in Galilee. I felt like Nazareth and the surrounding areas still held a sacred / hollowed spirit there. So I was having a lot of fun, but it wasn’t quite the same “geeking out” experience we had the day before.
The exception, was going to the Jordan River. Having learned that this is where the Children of Israel crossed into the promised land….AND also was the place that Jesus was baptized…there was an amazing spirit there. It was a little bit more tense given that the other side of the river was the country of Jordan, and there were guardes on both sides. But still such a peaceful feeling as I pondered the song “Baptism” by my Aunt Mabel.
I don’t know that we got very many pictures, but in my mind, I remember driving through Jericho….likely one of the oldest cities in the world. I was totally obsessed with the story of the Good Samaritan….we saw the barren land between Jerusalem and Jericho….and had a sense of how treacherous that journey would have been. We now have a beautiful olive wood carving of the good samaritan….made in Jericho by Jimmy. It was here that we heard a great lesson by Emilie Belle Freeman about olive wood candle sticks:
She taught that the women can light the candlesticks in preparation for the Sabbath.
“One candle represents the word “keep” and the other represents the word “remember”
Traditionally, it is the role of a Jewish mother to light the Sabbath candles in a home. Once the flame is kindled she encircles the light with outstretched hands and draws it toward her three times…..to draw the light inside, to allow the light of the Sabbath to fill the room and each person there, and to invite rest.
My soul is settling in for a much needed rest. Many see this as a time of fear, uncertainty, confinement, and idle time. My soul is leaning towards faith, Jesus Christ, protection, and rest.” Emilie
Insights
Bet She’an - Greco/Roman Ruins, King Saul did use this place to fight phillistines
When we drove to the Jordan River, we talked about John the Baptist…whom Jesus called the greatest of all prophets…which seems odd to us. But….he fulfilled his mission perfectly…he “decreased while jesus increased” - it would be like an influencer with 2 Million followers handing that over to someone else. He did his job so well, we don’t even talk about him much. He was a true forerunner.
Interesting quote from King George about George Washington. He will be the greatest man who ever lives,” because no one can walk away from that power. Similar to John the Baptist.
Note on baptism - is a lot like a womb, born to take on a family name…
Hank talked a lot about how Chris is more of our father than our brother. He has spiritually begotten us….a mom gives her blood, Christ gives his blood. Woman, is a symbol of Christ.
Again….for those who feel like “I’m not going to make it to heaven…..Christ would say….it wouldn’t be heaven without you.
You’re already on the team…there are no cuts, no more try-outs…no one is looking to get rid of you. The only way off the team, is to leave. Once youre on the team, you’re on. We don’t live the gospel to “get” to the celestial kingdom. You live the gospel so once the celestial kingdom is offered to you…you choose to be there.
Naaman washed and was cleansed in the Jordan River….which was totally murky.
Jericho is where Zaccheus lived! I love that story….we drove by “the tree” in Jericho.
Song - Oh come all ye unfaithful: O Come, All You Unfaithful • Official Video
We went in the evening to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher because Machmud said it would be less busy and crazy than during the day. I'm so glad we went then because there was almost NO ONE! When we got back and showed my family our pictures Jordan and Faith (who went on a Study Abroad to Jerusalem) could not believe how bare these places were and especially this place where it is usually completely packed with people.
Day 5 (May 2nd - happy birthday Jane)
Hezekiah’s Tunnel / City of David / Pools of Shilom / The Southern Steps / Western Wall / Bethlehem / Shepherds Fields
Feelings
Happy Birthday to our sweet Jane! Kellie had everyone on the bus sing to her….she seemed to have a wonderful day, which made us happy.
Today we hiked / walked through Hezekiah’s tunnel, just an incredible feat where workers hand carved a tunnel about 1800 feet so water could flow into the city. We excited the tunnel right be the pools of Shilom. After just an incredible hike with narrow dark tunnels, we sat and heard again one of the coolest stories in the Bible. 2 Kings 18:9 - when Hezekiah was king of the southern kingdom (Hosea was king of the north and was taken by Assyria) This is when Assyria’s army came to the gate, and started making vulgar comments, and talked about how no God will save them….they have literally destroyed and conquered everyone who prays to the same God.
Hezekiah prays, talks to Isaiah, pleads with God in prayer about how he is going to save these people. Isaiah writes and says, I’ve heard you, and he shall not come into the city, they won’t shoot a single arrow. They wake up to find 250K soldiers dead, and the Assyrian King goes back to Ninvevah.
Beautiful story about following the prophet as if your life is on the line. The enemy is just like an ex mormon, they know just what to say….so go to the prophet, then go to the Temple.
We sat and learned this story at the pools of Siloam….really really hit on our next visit which was to the Southern Steps. Cool comment about Neal Armstrong….said that it means more to me to stand here than on the moon. Christ would have walked on these steps for sure, would have taught here. We sat and learned about the healing of the blind man from birth, who was asked to descend from those steps, down to the pools of siloam (where we had just been)
Hank talked about the various feasts at the time, (Pentecost, Rosh anah sp?, Yom Kippor) etc. During one of them the high priests walk down to the pools of Siloam and fill a pitcher of water. Interesting that this blind man would have walked right be them, washed, and been healed. This happened in September, he would die in April. Story is in John chapter 9. The fact that they said he had sinned alludes to a pre-mortal life….
The best part of the story was in versus 25, when they question the man…and he says “Whether he is a sinner or not, here is what I know. I was blind, now I see. THAT is a testimony. There are some things I don’t know, but this I know…I was there the whole time. It struck me that there might be many things that I don’t know…but what I do know…is that the Book of Mormon is True.
Also had a cool experience at the Western (Wailing) wall. I had a chance to go to the wall and pray. I also treated the wall very much like our Temple, I wrote down the names of my family, the names of those I’m serving with, and the names of those that I work with. I left it in the wall and prayed for them. I found out that they take the names and bury them in the mt. of olives. Pretty cool.
Going to Bethlhem was surreal. It was probably the first time on the trip that I not only geeked out, but I felt a waive of the spirit and emotion. It came in a tiny cave that was located above the shepherds fields…singing Christmas hymns. Just an overwhelming feeling of peace and joy as we sang silent night.
Insights
John 7-9 - Feast of Tabernacles
John 7 - Gossip chapter about Jesus, he turns the tables, he knows Abraham, he heals the adulterous woman
Jerusalem had 4 massive candle sticks at every corner of the city, which lit it up like a “light on a hill”
A person with an experience is never at the mercy of a person with an opinion.
Most people leave the church between the ages of 14-24…those are hard years. Those who make it? “I’ve had an experience with God.”
This should shift our parenting…instead of just giving answers…we so “Go ask God.” trust that they’ll receive answers.
Luke likely didn’t know Jesus. Mark wrote for Peter. Luke Chapter 2 was an interview an insights from Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was the one that would have been familiar with Micah chapter 5, and would have known that the Savior needed to be born in Bethlehem.
An Inn was really just extra rooms in a home…there weren’t any extra rooms available. They likely found a cave…the manger would have been stone. We are the ones that add the stable and animals to the story.
God comes to the most humble of places
We wondered what Mary would have felt when she went up to Jerusalem, and Simon states in Luke 2:34 that a sword would pierce her soul…she had no idea just how difficult that would be.
Quick note, in Bethlehem near the Church of the Nativity….there was a man named Jerome (St. Jerome) - cool story of him writing the scriptures in Hebrew, giving us the best translation that later produced the King James Version. He was said to have had a Skull on is desk to remind him that he wasn’t dead, and needed to do good and actually be a Christian. He had had a dream where he met Christ, said he was a Christian, and Christ said I don’t know you. This story is on a voice recording.
Note: The Temple of Solomon was built upon Mt. Mariah, and Abraham almost sacrificed Isaac there. That is where the Dome of the Rock is now.
Kellie inserting some thoughts here. The Southern steps of the temple was one of my absolute favorite moments. I felt the spirit so strong. After Hank had just finished giving a sermon on Christ healing the blind man on these steps and talking about teaching our children the teaching of Christ, we came around the corner and saw and walked on the ACTUAL steps that Jesus Christ himself taught and walked on. I just knew that Jesus Christ did actually live and walk on these steps. I am so grateful for that moments. One of my favorite that I will always remember.
Here is the amazing TRIO. Alan, Hank and Machmud. Alan is a Jew and would give us a lot of the history of the Jews during each of our stops. Hank is LDS (obviously) and would give us his thoughts on the doctrine of our church. And Machmud who is Muslim would give us insights from the perspective of his people. It was amazing to have these 3 and were told by multiple people that we were incredibly lucky and blessed!!!
Day 6 (May 3rd)Gethsemane / Church of Santa Ana / Pool of Bethesda / BYU Jerusalem Center / Golgotha / The Garden Tomb / The Old City / The Mount of Olives
Feelings
One of the most impactful days of my life. Mahmud secured a visit for all of us first thing in the morning at the Garden of Gethsemane. Upon walking in the gate, I was just about knocked off my feet with the spirit and power of the place. Then over the loud speaker someone played U2 or some sort of music and it kind of killed the initial moment…which was ok….because we had a chance to sit, and talk about what happened there, and the spirit returned.
I was so curious what story Hank would tell. He told the story of a man named Pete who had backed over his daughter….and how years after that, any time the family would hear of a similar tragedy…the were “physically” drawn to those people who were going through similar pain. When people go through something so dark, so painful, so heart wrenching…they are drawn to others.
Christ is the same…he is drawn to us. Note Alma 7, this is how he is able to succor us. He is drawn to us because he has felt our pains. Don’t lose the importance of the Cross. Two deaths, physicaly and spiritual, he overcame both.
I had never considered that there were moments in the garden that would strengthen him and keep him going.
Mosiah 15:10
Isaiah 53:10 / Mosiah 5:7
Kellie and I had some time to walk around the garden….it was peaceful and quiet. It felt just like being in the celestial room at the Temple. Reverent, peaceful. Kellie pointed out the small poppy like flowers that seemed unintentionally growing around the ground between the trees. They weren’t there over by the Church area built by the Catholic church, but they were here…giving a vivid reminder of the “great drops of blood.” It was impactful.
The Church at Gethsemane was beautiful…there is a stone that supposedly Judas betrayed Jesus at. The artwork and mosaics were beautiful. I was able to get tome olive oil from gethsemane…again…simple oil like any other without priesthood power…but beautifully symbolic as all oil presses are a gethsemane.
Before going to Church, we were able to view the recently excavated area where the pool of Bethesda was. Another piece of art that I love, and a story that I love.
We then went to sacrament meeting at the BYU Jerusalem Center. A bile or so from the first sacrament meeting (the last supper)
The view from that chapel is just incredible. You can see the entire city behind the pulpit. I was just loving every moment. I loved the organ, I loved singing with the Saints. It was testimony meeting, and I had a chance to share my testimony…which was super meaningful for me….to share my testimony of Christ in the Holy land. We closed the meeting with the Hymn “testimony” and it was just impactful for me. I had dreamed of getting to worship and learn in that sacred place and in that building. I only got about and hour or so there….but it was enough.
I’ll also make note that we saw Calvary / Golgotha, as well as the Garden Tomb. Pretty sharp contrast to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The Church was nice, and that may have very well been the place…but scripturally, these two sites we saw on Shabat made more sense and had more feeling to me.
I made some notes below - but learning how the veil of the Temple IS Christ - was so profound to me. I got a “Holy Smokes” quote in my notes that day, I just didn’t understand the significance of putting my hand in his side, feeling the prints in a way of the nails.
It was just the best of days. I remember laying in bed just absolutely blown away at what I had just experienced. Nothing to describe it. Changed forever. So much joy felt, so much gratitude felt, so privilege felt to be able to be there….it was incredible humbling. I have received SO much….I just have to be able to give, to share, to inspire….I’ve just received too much not to.
Insights
Psalm 22 - spoke of the atonement
Isaiah 53 - wounded
Mosiah 3 - the fact that he was mortal made it evern harder for Christ.
Matthew 26:37 - My soul is sorrowful unto Death, he has NEVER been like this before, he is usually strong, cheerful….in v 39 - he fell on his faith.
So much distress that he couldn’t get up, yells Abba…”daddy”
Remember D&C 19 - when he is pleading with Martin Harris to repent, because Christ has already suffered, we just have to repent. It’s like it is painful to talk about…. “nevertheless”
In 2005 - Merrill Batement talked to Hank about the Atonement. There is a pattern, where Christ does things 1:1…..in the same way…think of the garden of gethsemane as a trillion year line of people, we won’t understand….he some how was able to love and feel every detail of your life.
Abinadi talks about how many people kept him going, what moments in our lives helped him keep going.
The garden was probably 3 hours for Peter / James / John….was likely a trillion years for Christ.
Hank shared some of the story about the BYU Jerusalem Center. Elder Holland (then president of BYU) was able to build good relationships and get this place just above and north of the Mount of Olives. Just a beautiful spot.
Jesus would have walked out of the gate (golden gate is where he came for palm sunday) - so either that one or the one south, walked down through the Kidron Valley (valley of the shadow of death) and up to gethsemane.
Hank mentioned many times that we don’t know with 100% certainty which site is correct…but I’ll add my thought that the garden tomb and the site at calvary seemed more legit to me.
Also an interesting note, that the hosts of heaven that followed Satan probably didn’t love Satan, they probably didn’t think Christ could do it. That was an interesting thought.
Quote by Elder Holland: “Jesus held on. He pressed on. the goodness in Him allowed faith to triumph even in a state of complete anguish. Against all odds and with none to help to uphold him, the living son of the living God, restored physical life where death had held sway and brought joyful spiritual redemption out of sin, hellish darkness, and despair.”
Hebrews 10:20 - “By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.” - A powerful insight we learned, is that the veil of the Temple, is Christ. We each can have our own 3 Nephi experience, but thrusting our hands into his side, and feeling the imprints in our hands. Elder Batement said of the veil….don’t you know WHO that is? The fold and take the veil out of the Temple. The veil in Herod’s temple would have been 5 inches thick, it would have been massive. it split in half…..It was OPEN….like the Red sea opened, Christ opened the WAY to God.
Hanks also quoted Martin Luther : Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring time.”
Remember that the Resurrection is the single greatest miracle…. I struggle with______well do you believe in the resurrection? We don’t find Jesus in the likely, but the unlikely. Just like a small farmer boy kicking out scripture.
John 21 - Peter going Fishing. Glad we mentioned that story…goes back to the question of “Why did we go back to what we were doing before”
Mt. of Olives - Alma 24025 - Bethany is three miles from here, he would have cursed the fig tree on that walk.
Day 7 (May 4th)
Temple Mount / Dome of the Rock / Masada / So….much….time (airports / planes)
Feelings
Well, coming off of Shabat, it was going to be really hard to beat the day we had just experienced. But I really did enjoy getting to visit the Temple Mount and the outside of the Dome of the Rock. Again, I was in awe of the size of the space….I could just imagine the hundreds and hundreds of people that would have been gathered to that space during the time of Jesus. Was a bit surreal to think of him casting out the money changes there, teaching there (both as a child and as an adult)
It was even more crazy to think about Abraham and Isaac, and think about how they would have lived here and had the experience that they did…and receive the covenants that they did. Just crazy cool. I did love learning more about our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters….and I appreciated knowing that they all reverence Abraham.
I will also mention that I felt a crazy feeling at Mesada…that last stand of the Jews / Zealots. I felt sad of course that they ended up committing suicide….but being up there was just an odd feeling. I could almost feel the hope they would have had for the first 2 years that the Romans wouldn’t be able to get them….only to be in total despair upon realizing that they were going to succeed, and that we were doomed. It was where the scattering completed.
The week of incredible fun and people hit us after we got on the bus. We were ready to return home. But I still remember sitting on the bus…feeling so overwhelmingly grateful. The travel home was a bit crazy. A missile had hit near the Tel Aviv airport, and so Delta canceled our flight home. We were moved to El Al Airlines, and stuck in whatever space they could fit us.
So we had 6 hours at the airport, followed by a 13 hour flight where we were both in middle seats in economy (a few rows from each other) and I had a dad with two kids (one always on his lap) next to me…which made it difficult to stretch as much as I needed to. Oh well…..I had just had my bucket list / amazing experience of a lifetime…at least we got home safely.
Insights
Hank talked about after the resurrection, the road to Emmaus…Luke 24:13
They had “trusted” that Christ was he who would help israel. They had lost their faith. They lost their faith because of an expectation….the expectation was that he wouldn’t die. rome seemed to conquer, we had invested so much hope in him…
Going to Emmaus is like leaving the Church. Christ is going to walk with you the entire time.
Did not our hearts burn within us….they got up and returned to the 11 apostles.
It was an inaccurate understanding of the scriptures, a hope, and expectation
It isn’t about who has your membership, it is about who has your heart…most doubts come from assumptions and expectations.
When working through doubs…ask yourself….”Do the prophets and apostles teach it?”
The Sons of Lehi will some day offer up the children of israel (the gathering of israel) in righteousness.
PEOPLE
Quick thoughts on some of the people we met:
Hanks Smith - I love that he is a true extrovert, and absolutely loved it when you talked to him and would ask him questions. I loved the he was brilliant, but was a Ph.d that didn’t take himself too seriously. I love that he was personal, and wanted to help us understand.
Sheri and Wade - I love their genuine cheerfulness, humor, and their example of being flexible and friendly. They had just lost their dog, they found out on the trip that Wade’s mother was going to die of Cancer, Wade has had to hold his mom much of her life due to illness. They are just salt of the earth good people. He is clearly a Bishop and can get into that mode, but is jovial and so funny all the time.
Julie and Beattie - I just loved their goodness, their story of adopting their children, and then keeping up with the birth parents. I loved that Beattie is an accountant, a kindred spirit that way. I loved that they saved us a spot on the bus, I love their friendliness and goodness.
Meg and Kaleb - I absolutely loved their story of how they met. They had a child while in High School, and it drew them closer together and to the Lord, and that “saved his life.” They were so friendly and just loved being there as much as we did (same with Julie and Beattie) Just incredible people.
Craig and Denise - Denise is elegant and funny, a perfect opposite to Craig who is indeed funny...but mostly offensive and brash. But the two of them together just have some incredible stories and make gatherings very entertaining.
Steve and Tami - Very welcoming and friendly. We didn't bond with them probably as spiritually as some of the others, but they've continued to be at our gatherings and have genuine interest in how we're doing.
Rich and Mary - Rich did find Cade the only Dr. Pepper in Israel while we were there....lol....Rich and Mary are great. I remember Mary also sharing her testimony at the Jerusalem Center...she had actually studied there years earlier when she was at BYU. Rich is currently a Bishop and is a musician. Great people.
