The Mount of Olives overlooks the city of Jerusalem. It is a place of beginnings and contemplation that ultimately leads to decision. It is here that Jesus began his entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey with crowds of people surrounding him and shouting "Hosannas" as they waved palm branches. We walked this road today. 
We spent time in the Garden of Gethsemane (Gethsemane is literally translated as "olive press"). Many of the trees have huge, gnarled barks, some having to be supported with mounds of stones. And yet, these trees continue to sprout shoots that bring forth new life. The olive trees in this garden may possibly be between 1100 to 1800 years old. It is in this garden that Jesus beseeched his disciples to stay awake with him, it is here that he prayed fervently to God. As we closed our time in the garden, Carol led us in the Lord's prayer using both words and sign language. With Jesus, we prayed, "thy will be done."Our final destination of the day, the Holocaust museum showed us, in very real and powerful ways how we, as humans, can inflict destruction, death and desecration upon one another when we do not center ourselves in God's will. However, our faith tells us sorrow and death give rise to hope for God is with us, we are not alone.
"Hear this, O elders, give ear, all inhabitants of the land! Has such a thing happened in your days, or in the days of your ancestors? Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation." (Joel 1:2-3)Pray for shalom,
Suzy
Hello Red Storm crew! We were certainly happy to see the effects of the Ike Storm gone from our worship services today, though many are worshipping as we have the past 2 Sundays.
ReplyDeleteTell Marc that we really missed Jubilation today...not...but we do miss all of you!
Godspeed,
Luvjoy & gary noble