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Israel
Site Status
CHURCH LEADER BIBLE LANDS UPDATE - WEEK OF MARCH 25, 2002
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"He that keepeth Israel shall not slumber or sleep." Psalm 1:24
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God has set a plan in motion for
His church. That plan is unfolding as people are engrafted into the body
of Christ. Nations are coming to knowledge of God's truth and amid
opposition there is a realization of the power of Christ's Church. Jesus
said, " . . . the gates of hell would not prevail against the
church." The Gospel is being accepted by many cultures around the
world. Just as the plan of God unfolds for the church there is a purpose
and plan unfolding for the Jewish people. As we visited Israel there was a sense of anticipation about the future. We saw a large golden
menorah (golden candle) on display locked behind bullet proof Plexiglas.
This beautiful piece will occupy a prominent place in the new temple.
Craftsmen have been commissioned to pattern and make priestly robes and
musical instruments in preparation for the coming Messiah. In spite of terrorist activity in
Israel, immigration continues. Jews are coming from Russia, United States
and other countries to occupy Israel. There is an apparent call for Jews
to return. There are indications that this return has just begun. In the
future, people of Israel will return swiftly to their land from all over
the world to experience God's blessing in the Millennial Kingdom. Here at
Pilgrim Tours we are experiencing a resolve to see Israel from only a
brave few. We
have reduced our departures for the 10 day tours, but those that remain on
the schedule will operate no matter how many persons are going. Our
9 day package is also operating and can be booked for almost any week.
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IN SITES: CANA
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Our tour returned
without a hitch and the brave souls that went were blessed as is
usual. Bethlehem was closed temporarily, but Jericho was
opened for the first time in 13 months. People greeted our
guide and driver with hugs and tears. All were stirred in
their commitment to Christ and others made professions of
faith. Not once did anyone feel threatened or in danger.
Special highlights that were
enjoyed by this group included the Scriptural Gardens and the
Rabbinical Tunnel. These sites proved to be a very educational and
enjoyable. The Scriptural Gardens gives a visual concerning
culture and life during the time of Christ. Pastor Stevenson
shared that the typical tent of the first century was on display
and many could understand how nomads survived the Mid-Eastern
elements. The Rabbinic Tunnel reveals the massiveness of ancient
foundation stones. It is estimated that along one section of the
Temple Mount retaining wall which is referred to as the Master
Course, there is one stone that by itself is calculated to weigh
600 tons.
Another place this group visited was in the area where Jesus
taught His disciples. From Scripture we have reference to this
place which is called Cana (John 2). Cana is the site of our
Lord's first miracle. "This beginning of signs Jesus did in
Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and His disciples
believed in Him."
Cana is located in the highlands
of Galilee west of the lake. As one stands on the highlands and
views the surroundings, it is with awe that you can reflect on
Christ's teaching and His powerful influence in this area of
Galilee. It was here that Nathanael made his home (John 21:2).
The community was usually involved
in weddings in Jesus' day. It was at such a wedding in Cana that
Jesus performed His first miracle of turning water into wine. The
festivities continued as long as food and drink remained. This
would explain in part why the host ran out of wine at the wedding
Jesus attended. Another tradition was to be married on a Tuesday:
"And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of
Galilee" (John 2: 1). This practice was explained to us on
our recent tour by our Jewish guide. He pointed us to the creation
account which took place on the third day, Tuesday, when God twice
pronounced the words "It was good." Therefore, Tuesday
was a day associated with double blessings. It became customary to
begin a marriage or a long journey on Tuesday. This practice is
still observed today.
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Sites Accessible
| Armageddon |
yes |
Jericho |
no
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| Beersheba |
yes |
Jerusalem |
yes |
| Beth Shan |
yes |
Jezreel Valley |
yes |
| Bethany |
yes |
Jordan River |
yes |
| Bethlehem |
yes |
Joseph's Workshop |
yes |
| Cana |
yes |
Kidron Valley |
yes |
| Caesarea by the Sea |
yes |
Lazarus' Tomb |
yes |
| Caesarea Phiippi |
yes |
Masada |
yes |
| Capernaum |
yes |
Megiddo |
yes |
| Church of All Nations |
yes |
Mount of Beatitudes |
yes |
| Church of the Annunciation |
yes |
Mount Hermon |
yes |
| Church of the Beatitudes |
yes |
Mount Nebo |
yes |
| Church of the Nativity |
yes |
Mount of Olives |
yes |
| City of David |
yes |
Mount of Temptation |
yes |
| Dead Sea |
yes |
Mount Tabor |
yes |
| Dome of the Rock |
yes |
Nazareth |
yes |
| El-Aqsa Mosque |
yes |
Pool of Bethesda |
yes |
| Elah Valley |
yes |
Samaria |
yes |
| En Gedi |
yes |
Sea of Galilee |
yes |
| Galilee |
yes |
Shechem |
yes |
| Garden Tomb |
yes |
Shrine of the Book |
yes |
| Gethsemane |
yes |
Temple Mount |
not inside |
| Golgotha |
yes |
Upper Room |
yes |
| Gordon's Calvary |
yes |
Via Dolorosa |
yes |
| Haifa |
yes |
Western Wall |
yes |
| Hebron |
no
|
Western Wall Tunnel |
yes |
| Hezekiah's Tunnel |
yes |
Zion Gate |
yes |
| Jacob's Well |
yes |
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| Jaffa |
yes |
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