Technically, we have another day tomorrow, but I am going to retire from posting.  I hope that everyone has enjoyed the posts, and I recommend coming to Israel to get more than just a taste of this glory. We are planning on another trip next year.  If my wife is reading this, please do not get mad.  I am not saying that I will personally go, but our church will put a group together.  Maybe Erica can lead the trip!

So, today, we toured the old city of David.  Most people know that Jerusalem is the ‘city of David’, however he was the first to make it a Jewish town. Therefore, when David was living there, it was a simple, small village type of town and not the grand city that it later was in Jesus’ time.  They have dug up some amazing finds in this area of Jerusalem.  We saw the base of King Solomon’s palace.  We walked through old Caininite tunnels and discovered the 3000 year old city streets.  For almost 30 years, they have been excavating this area and just 2 months ago they opened an ancient Roman road far below the current streets.   You can walk up this tunnel on the actual stones that Jesus walked.

Tunnels of Old City of David

Pool of Siloam

At the base of the hill lies the pool of Siloam.  It is make famous by Jesus when he spat in the mud and made an eyeball for the blindman.  He then told the blindman to go and wash in the pool of Siloam for his complete healing.  Jesus said that the man was blind to reveal God’s glory.  It was extremely emotional for us because we had Mason in our group (who has been completely blind in one eye and 80% blind in the other since birth)  We read the story from the Bible and we had Mason pray over our whole group.  Of course, He splashed the water on his face and we all believe with him that God will continue to be his strength and healing.

I have to say that it is amazing to see Mason’s courage and strength through this entire trip.  He is the most positive and uplifting person you will ever meet.  We have been by his side in extremely difficult surroundings.  Occasionally, we have to read signs for him and we will explain the landscape or specific feature of a building.  Most of the time, he absorbs the environment by himself through his limited sight, nose, hands, ears, and feet.  Wow, we are so thankful that he has accompanied us.

We went to the southern steps of the temple and I was able to preach at the actual spot where Jesus taught his disciples.  So cool!

After lunch, we headed to some Old Testament sights in the country.  We visited Elah valley where David killed Goliath.  We all collected stones and read the story straight from scripture.

Elah Valley where David killed Goliath.

Then we traveled to another very important valley where many things happened.  Please forgive me, it is late and I don’t remember the name but here are the things that happened there:

• Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still and it did.
• God sent huge boulder size hailstones from heaven to destroy the Philistines.  These have been discovered!
• The Philistines sent the ark of the Covenant back to the Israelites through this valley because it was literally giving them tumors.
• Samson was born in this area and defeated Philistines here.
• Basically, it wasn’t a good place to be a Philistine!

Love ya’ll!  Can’t wait to be back in Texas with my lovely wife and family.  It was so cool today, I got Erica on Facetime and she actually listened to the tour guide and watched the scenery from the bus. Technology is so amazing.

Facetime

To all the PSM folks, I’ll see you Sunday.  I’ll be preaching, so pray for my rest and brain! ha!

+Robin