kingdom travelin'

So, because of some awesome circumstances (for some of us), lectures were rescheduled from today and we were given a free day to catch up on unfinished work. Since I have no unfinished work, I joined a handful of my colleagues in the doctoral program and we headed through the checkpoint from Bethlehem into Jerusalem and went into the old city…

Got a few items checked off the list that my friend Janice told me I need to see. But the place that I was most struck by was the Western (Wailing) Wall. What I saw was rejoicing and people praying the Bible! There were tables set up and carts full of Hebrew Bibles…

a cart of Hebrew Bibles for praying at the wall

I was walking around praying and the atmosphere was really charged and I had this incredible time of worshiping God as I prayed and sang. Those present were really fervent and there were lots of celebrations going on. It was a pretty amazing thing, not just to see but to feel. These guys were crowding around to read the scrolls.

crowding around the scrolls of Scripture

We need to get excited about Scripture.

Afterward, three of us went up to the point of Jesus ascension and were blessed to find, yet another, Palestinian Christian brother who took us back to Bethlehem. Well, actually almost… he took us to the checkpoint in The Wall. I asked him about the wall and he told me it kept out the bad guys but it also kept out the good guys and created hardships for Palestinians… imagine if you live in the city of the Savior’s birth and work in Jerusalem, walking through this everyday…

The wall of separation.

Not as nice looking as these Ottoman era replacement walls of Jerusalem…

but walls.

Earlier in the day we had seen where they suppose Calvary is and the tomb (it was definitely empty, by the way). I am thankful that Jesus had torn down the wall of separation between God and man.

If I post this week, I think it will be about war, injustice and reconciliation.

Here is the first thought.

In many places there have been barriers erected for the security of people.

This is the famous wall. It separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem… Think about that for a second…

This wall protects but it also seperates. People’s lives have been changed, for good and bad.

But what are the limits?

Is this just? Or is this an injustice in the name of security?

Heard the story this morning of an army officer from a western country based in Africa. This guy is a committed follower of Jesus and, having no chaplain, offers a Christian meeting each week for the soldiers in his organization. First two sessions, no one showed out of 180 persons. No one.  In fact, he is made fun of quietly. Some African contractors from Kenya asked why…

Why do these white guys, who first told us about Jesus long ago, no long worship Him?

Sights from Mossell Bay and enirons:

The city of Mossel Bay from across the bay where the Hartenbos river flows into the Indian Ocean. I saw this on my walks.

The Hartenbos river at sunset at the end of a great conversation about being a learner of Jesus (disciple).

After church we went to a preserve so I could send this picture of me and a giraffe to my grandson.

The visit way south was amazing. Great conversations with long time friends and partners, blessed ministry in church and good rest.

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (‭Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭41‬ ESV)