We were reminded on Sunday morning of the tensions that lie just beneath the surface in the Middle East. We started the day by leaving the Western Wall in time for our appointment to enter the Rabbis Tunnel (also called the Western Wall Tunnel) that runs underneath the surface of Jerusalem and goes north along the Western Wall and finally exits int…
A Holy Land tour always takes on a rhythm of its own. In the beginning and for several days, adrenaline keeps everyone running in overdrive. Eventually a combination of jet lag and sheer fatigue from the long days leads to a bit of a slowdown. This is entirely natural, and in large part is due to the fact that you are in a foreign land, seven or ei…
We managed to survive our trip to Bethlehem this afternoon, though it was a close call, and not because of anything having to do with politics. In fact, crossing into Bethlehem was very easy indeed. Because of the prevailing situation, our Jewish guide Malcolm could not join us on the trip to Bethlehem. That’s the law and he could be heavily …
On Tuesday morning we set out on our first day of touring with only four hours of sleep. You forget, at least I do, how hectic a tour can be. Fun and exciting and enlightening but also very hectic. You start early every day and you never really stop.In the five times Marlene and I have been to Israel we have always been blessed with excellent guide…
I’m writing this note–hurriedly–from our room at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Ceasarea on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in northern Israel. It’s bright and sunny and warm in Israel this morning. After a long layover in the Istanbul airport, and after sitting on the tarmac in Istanbul for an hour, we arrived in Tel Aviv ar…
Last week I sent out a sermon called Who is Jesus Christ? In response a friend in Seattle wrote down his thoughts. I foudn them very moving. Who is this person Jesus Christ? It’s as simple a question as it is deep. This is where God took my thoughts on your question. Who is Jesus Christ to me?He is the tissue that wipes away my tears.He …
At the beginning of the weekend, I had a long list of things to do before we left for the Holy Land. Writing this blog entry is the final item on my list. We’ve talked to all our kids, Alan came by and picked up the basset hounds, we’ve packed our bags (mostly because Marlene took charge of that), we have the phone list, the list of fol…
Recently I picked my copy of Spurgeon’s Lectures to My Students and happened to open it to a chapter called Earnestness: Its Marring and Maintenance. The whole essay will repay careful study but I simply call your attention to the first few sentences:If I were asked – What in a Christian minister is the most essential quality for securi…
After my adventure at the dentist yesterday–I got a tooth pulled–I came home feeling pretty rough. Because I couldn’t eat any solid food, Marlene made one of my favorite meals last night, baked potato soup. It’s a recipe she’s had for almost 25 years. And on countless cold winter nights, this comfort food has fed our f…
A few years ago I wrote a book on the Lord’s Prayer called “And When You Pray.” When I finished writing it, I came away deeply impressed with how profound this little prayer is. If someone asks, “What does Christian prayer look like?” the answer is, “It looks like the Lord’s Prayer.” Everything that i…