Israel

Just a quick note to update you on Israel.  I've here in Jerusalem with 200 youth workers from
56 different countries.  It has been an incredible time studying the life of Christ together in the place where He lived and ministered.  Yesterday we were on the temple mount which is under Muslim control right now.  If you have ever seen a picture of Jerusalem you will recognize the big golden dome that dominates the skyline.  This is the dome on the rock, a Muslim shrine memorializing the place where Mohamed ascended into heaven.  This also happens to be where the Jewish temple used to be.  As I was walking around the temple mount I was awestruck by the fact that this is where the glory of the Lord filled the temple that Solomon built.  I stood on the steps where Jesus was presented by Joseph and Mary when he was 8 days old.  this is where he overturned the tables of the money changers.  I was filled with a mix of emotions.  My instinctual was that this is where the temple should be, not a Muslim shrine.  I was jealous for God's temple.  But then I remembered that each time the temple was destroyed, both in the Assyrian conquest and in fulfillment of Jesus prediction in 70 A.D. it was God's doing.  God is bigger than my desire for Him to be honored.  Ufdah!  I have a lot of thoughts and feelings going on inside of me now.  I'll right more later.  I have to get to our next session now.

Comments

[Emily]

Gosh Greg, that is so true. I am reading in 2 Samuel when David says that he feels bad because God's dwelling was in a tent and David was livin' it up in the castle. David's was simply having reverence for God, yet God spoke back to David through a prophet saying "Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?". He reminds David that when God's arc is moved, it's because God moved it. He is amazing. I am excited to hear more about your trip Greg! I will pray for your safety. Love-Em

[Andrea PItcher]

can't wait to see all your photos and hear the stories. I'm looking forward to it
Andrea Pitcher

[Mom and Dad]

Awesome pictures, Greg. What an experience for you. My only disappointment is that I couldn't find you in the group shot!

Love you - Mom