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Home at Last
January 15, 2009
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. I am home safe and sound. I’ll post more photos soon.
Grace and Peace.
Filled to Overflow
January 13, 2009
Tonight we are in Jerusalem. It is our last night and as we arrived back at the Grand Court Hotel, I said, “We’re home!” … since this is the first place where we stayed. I do feel a sense of “home” here; my experience on this journey has been for me like a reunion with an old friend, like finding a place has been mine all along. If not for loved ones at home, I should be quite content to stay.
On the Hill of Sephorus (Click Photo to View More Images)
The past couple of days have been like every other, filled with spectacular sights and archaeological wonders and spiritual renewal and physical exhaustion. On Sunday, we spent the day driving North along the Dead Sea, exploring the land that is believed to be the ancient site of Sodom and Gomorrah. Along the way, we visited two magnificent sites that are especially held dear in the hearts of Bible teachers : ) We first visited Masada; this was originally built as Herod’s winter palace, but late, it became the last fortress of the Jewish zealots in the war against Rome. The story ends in a mass suicide of Jewish people, who draw lotteries written on pot shards to decide who will kill whom, believing that it was better to die at the hands of a Jew than to be taken as slaves for the Romans.
As if finally seeing Masada with my own two eyes wasn’t enough, then we traveled to Qumran, the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery in 1947. Here we walked through what remains of the community of Essenes, who were pious Jews who left Jerusalem during the Hasmonean Period (160 BC), due to their belief that the priesthood had become corrupt.
From here we made our way to HaGalil or The Galilee, which means “The District.” We toured many of the villages where Jesus walked and taught and healed and cast out demons. We visited Bethsaida and Chorazim and Capernaum; in all three places, we were able to visit the synagogues where Jesus spoke and in Capernaum, we saw the site of Simon Peter’s house. We were also able to visit the Mount of Beatitudes, to see where it was that Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, and to visit the spot believed to be where Jesus multiplied the fish and loaves. Here, we also read again the Sermon on the Mount and imagined what it would have been like to have been in the crowd that day.
We spent the afternoon riding on a boat, a replica of the one Jesus and the disciples would have used, and sailed across the Sea of Galilee. The stories reverberated in the sound of the waves and we remembered that Jesus himself had walked across this sea and had provided fish for his disciples here…that it was Jesus who had calmed this very sea.
Galilee is a beautifully breathtaking place and one can instantly see how it was that the news of Jesus spread throughout the entire region in rapid fire, as the towns are nestled close together and are tiny in comparison to the grandeur of Jerusalem.
Today we traveled further around the Sea of Galilee and have seen Migdal, the home of Mary Magdalene and Sepphoris and Nazareth; including the home of Mary, the mother of Christ the Lord. We also visited Har Meggido or Armageddon and traveled through the Jezreel Valley where Elijah fled from Jezebel…this was all before lunch!! This afternoon we traveled to beautiful Cesarea and saw the place where Paul stood trial, and walked along the shores of the Mediterranean and into Joppa to see the sunset over the sea–unbelievable!!
So, tonight we sleep in Jerusalem, filled to overflow…we, the thirty three pilgrims, who have traversed this land in search of what we already know; Immanuel–God is with us.
Amen.
Our group at the Mediterranean Sea at Caesarea
Photos – January 12
January 12, 2009
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A Few Photos
January 11, 2009
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Adventure and Rest
January 10, 2009
Tonight, I write from the chic limestone laden lobby of the Daniel Hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. It is Sabbath and we have enjoyed ourselves a great deal today as we began the morning departing the resort town of Eliat and a tour through the Eliat stone polishing shop. We then hiked through the geological wonder of King Solomon’s copper mines, where I was able to find some beautiful mineral stones for my niece, Landynne, who loves rocks.
We had a delicious lunch at a Kibbutz community dairy farm. Many of us were pleased because there was an assortment of delicious ice creams. Then we made our way north to the Dead Sea, through the Negev and the area believed to be the site of Sodom and Gomorrah.
We arrived at the Dead Sea just in time for sunset over the Jordanian mountains. The water was freezing but it is one of those once in a lifetime experiences so most of us were game. There are some pretty awful photos floating around of my attempt to “ease” into the water. After some cajoling from Chris Sheets, I finally made it in and laid back into the sea. Surprisingly enough, it buoyed me up and I was floating just like everyone else.
While floating around in the Dead Sea, watching the moon shine over the mountains and onto the water, I couldn’t help but think how the sea is like God…able to buoy us up and bear us, able to help us float along, willing to give us peace and rest if we will just “lay back” into his keeping. I was also thinking that this is one of the coolest experiences of my life…and I mean that, literally. When we had stayed as long as we were able, some of us headed to the warm Dead Sea pool in the hotel and floated out under the stars; laughing and talking until we were quite content.
It has been a wonderful afternoon of adventure and rest; just like this trip which is not, for me, an opportunity to tour but a spiritual pilgrimage…one on which I am seeking refreshment, renewal and rest. I am lighting candles, offering prayers, touching sacred rocks and I am worshiping, not these sites, but the one who lived and walked and taught and healed here. May you all find such refreshment for your souls.
Shabbat and Shalom.
Crossing Jordan
January 9, 2009
Tonight we are back in Israel after two days in Jordan; and we are very glad so to be. The difference between Israel and Jordan are remarkable. Jordan is third world compared to Israel’s modernity. We have had two wonderful days though. On Thursday, we visited Mount Nebo and were able to take in Moses’ view from the mountain when he looked in the Promised Land that he would never cross into. The stories come to life as you look over the Jordan River, Jericho, Jerusalem in the distance and the Dead Sea to your South. There is so much history in this vista that it is hard to imagine any other place like it.
The Kazneh, meaning "treasury," is one of eight hundred carved tombs in Petra.
We also visited some churches with Byzantine mosaics and rested in a rustic mountain lodge in the city of Petra. Petra was amazing! We hiked down to the Siq which is the narrow passageway carved out of the rocks to the tombs of the Nabateans. We saw the famous “treasury” which is famous from the Indiana Jones movie, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” A magnificent sight.
We then hiked down to Roman road and Roman and Byzantine ruins that date back to Alexander the Great. A few of us attempted to hike to the peak to the “Monastery.” Andrew and Jim Lyon and other friends made it and were able to do some taping in the breathtaking site. I made it an impressive half way up and decided the view was quite nice from there. : )
Tonight, we are in the resort town of Eliat nestled on the Red Sea or Yam Suf (Sea of Reeds). Tomorrow we tour King Solomon’s Copper Mines and head to the Dead Sea for some soaking in the sun and floating in the healing salty water.
Thank you for your continued prayers; we feel God’s keeping every day.
Shalom.
Overcome
January 7, 2009
Where do I begin…today we spent our time in Jerusalem, the Holy City. A friend’s pedometer clocked over seven miles of walking; for me this means it’s okay to have extra dessert. : )
Via Dolorosa, Latin for "Way of Suffering"
We began our day with prayers at the Wailing Wall; and I was able to pray and leave a written prayer for my loved ones in the wall. Then, we moved to the tunnels under the Temple Mound which are the original 1st century streets. I touched stones where Jesus, Paul and Mary Magdalene walked and lived. We then made our way to Antonia Fortress, which is the place of Jesus’ trial before Pilate, and then onto the Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering), which is believed to be the path that Jesus walked, bearing the cross, on the way to his crucifixion. As we walked, Jim Lyon and I recorded a program for future broadcast on ViewPoint.
We then made our way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the place where archaeology says is Golgotha and the site of the crucifixion. I waited in a line to “touch the rock” and lit a candle. I was, in a word, overcome. As I knelt beneath the altar, I wept like a child. I didn’t want to leave. In that moment, I connected with the love of Christ. An overwhelming sense of humility and thanksgiving engulfed me. It was a beautiful moment, one I shall never forget. We proceeded from here to the site of the tomb. A sense of the “holy” was palpable.
Later, we made our way to the Church of Zion and the Upper Room, also the tomb of King David and the Cardo which is the original 1st century street and main market place. Then we went to Caiphas house and saw the site of Jesus detainment the night of his trial and then on through the Kidron Valley and up the Mount of Olives, where we visited Gethsemane.
An unbelievable day, an unforgettable experience…I am blessed beyond words.
Shalom.
Our First Day on the Expedition
January 6, 2009
Do you know what I mean, when I say I’ve never been here before but it feels very much like a familiar place?
I have read, studied, rehearsed and poured over the Scriptures, the traditions and the stories of this ancient place for most of my life, so I bring all that with me. I know the typography, I know the sites and I know the stories that orient me to each of them and so in some ways I don’t feel like I’m in an unknown place but very much at home.
(L-R) Jim Lyon, Andrew Lyon and Kimberly
Today, we, the CBH ViewPoint Expedition Team, visited the Holocaust Museum and the Israel Museum which includes the Shrine of the Book where several of the Dead Sea scrolls are kept; including an ancient complete scroll of Isaiah that has been recently discovered. I saw it with my own two eyes today! Also, the Alelppo Codex and to be able to read the sacred writ in the ancient Hebrew is a blessing I will not soon forget.
From here we made our way to Bethlehem, where we visited the Church of Nativity which is the oldest church in the world dating back to the 4th century. To touch stones that are the original 4th centruy limestone and to see the artifacts and the mosaics of the Crusaders, to breathe in the incense of the Greek Orthodox sacraments while listening to an ancient Latin Catholic Mass was, in itself, overwhelming. But on top of this, we were able to see the birthplace of Christ. We have very early evidence that supports it was in this very spot that the child was born and to stand there was humbling and exhilarating at once. This is also the site where Jerome translated the Vulgate (Latin version of the Bible) and it has seen many wars and rebuilds including four years ago when Yassir Arifat took sanctuary there to escape gunfire. Amazing!
From here we went to a field in a valley just below the ascent of the Nativity and this field is believed to be where the shepherds heard the good news proclaimed to them by the angels. It’s a particularly special time to be in this place, for in the Orthodox church, tonight is Christmas Eve. Here, we looked up at the stars, felt the chill in the air and sang together O Little Town of Bethlehem and for a moment, in our hearts, we were connected to the night so long ago.
The food is delicious, the weather is pleasant, the hotel in Jerusalem is lovely. You would not know the situation in Gaza existed if not for watching the news at night.
Tomorrow, we spend the day in Jerusalem; including Mount of Olives, Kidron Valley, Gethsemane, Temple Mound, Church of Holy Sepulchre and Absalom’s tomb to name a few spots.
Thank you for your prayers and know that God is with us all.
Kimberly Travels to the Holy Lands
January 4, 2009
Kimberly is visiting the Holy Lands January 4-15, 2009, as part of her role as co-host of the radio ministry ViewPoint, hosted by Jim Lyon. More than thirty individuals will participate on the tour of the Holy Lands, which includes visits to Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives, the Temple Mount and more (complete itinerary).
Visit KimberlyMajeski.com for postings from Kimberly’s journal. Learn more about CBH ViewPoint and the Expedition to the Holy Lands at www.CBHViewPoint.org.
