3-24-2012 Anyone Home?

Anyone Home?

      "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

                                                                                                                        Acts 1:7-8

Eastern Gate - the Old City of Jerusalem

Over the last few years, Lord, You have been working on Patti and me. It seems that, because of information being shared with us, along with personal observations and Your Spirit stirring the pot, our perception of corporate worship has changed and continues changing radically. 

Fellow travelers at the Angel Tree Hotel

Not that we don’t appreciate a good “Sunday Morning Experience”, but that once a week encounter of life together with other believers just doesn’t seem to hold the same place in our hearts as it once did.  We have fallen more and more in love with the concept of inviting our brothers and sisters of Your calling, into our home. Here in our “home-church, we share life and worship, not just once a week, but also trying to connect with this same family of believers on a regular basis during the week; praying, and studying the word together, helping and being helped as needs arise and sometimes, just getting together to share some laughter and fun.

Church Door in Jerusalem

Granted, we don’t always “get it right”, but we are seeking transformation rather than worldly conformity. And isn’t it interesting, that when transformation occurs, I see with transformed eyes, hear with transformed ears and love with a transformed heart? So when we were in Israel, and could not see the church (Koinonia – the intimate fellowship of believers, not the organization of believers) or hear the church or love the church of that land – The Land – was it because it didn’t exist, or because You weren’t ready to reveal it to us yet? By testing, I perceive it to be the later. I even think I’m beginning to understand why.

I’ve reached out to those I know, with connections in “The Land” and have heard the truth of it.  I’m going to offer now, Lord an example – call it a Letter Prayer.  Please accept this offering – this response  to my “reaching out”, from Wendy of the Hope School in Beit Jala – as a light to shine on the true condition of Your Church in Israel.  Perhaps others reading this will be moved as I am by its example:

            Dear Mark,

Many thanks for your email offering your commitment and willingness to help Christians in Palestine and especially Hope School. To answer a few of your questions: the school email address is:

 

info@hopeschoolpal.com  and the website address: www.hopeschoolpal.com

Class at Hope School

You are correct in realizing that the Christian community is declining here in Bethlehem and the West Bank and all over Palestine: life here is very difficult living in an occupied society. People are unable to travel freely, so they are unable to find work and are often cut off from their families, and therefore many thousands of Christians have emigrated because they can see no future.

Students at Hope School

I have asked Laila and she is unaware of any house groups going on in the area-the Christians who are here still attend the various churches. I'm not sure if there are any youth groups either, though there is still a strong Scout movement in B''hem, which one would hope would cut across the different denominations. It seems that all the Christian schools and churches are all busy trying to chase the same pots of money: so any work that would bring the churches together would give Christians a much stronger voice (this goes for the UK as well!). Hope School is unique in that 1) it is not affiliated to any church and 2) It is promoting Muslim and Christians living and working together.

Street Market in Nablus (Modern day Shechem)

…Christianity at risk of dying in the land of its birth? That’s the fearful thought that I had at the first reading of this letter. But then I realized that You are at work, Adonai. In fact the whole letter (and the fact that people like Wendy are in The Land) gives me hope and inspiration to pray and seek relationship with these folks. But how? How are You calling me and others to respond to this cry? Certainly I know that I’m not called to be an evangelizer in Israel – that You have made extremely clear. So is my calling to reach out to those in The Land, who are acting on Your call? Or am I to introduce others from my walk of life to the challenging conditions experienced every day by Christ followers in Israel, so that they might observe, pray and act based on the profound circumstances?

Mark Contemplating  Ein Gedi

Perhaps the answer is a little of both: What I see now so clearly, is that Wendy and Laila are the “home-church” in Israel, along with other believers such as Dan, Gary and Mike who also live in The Land. They don’t know each other, but I pray they soon will – maybe even through Your inspiration in this blog. And in their connection, our connection, Your Church will gather more closely into Your arms.

Lord, because of the risk associated with such a radical approach as Koinonia, I know I need to see, hear and love very carefully. In certain parts of The Land, proclaiming You as Messiah can actually result in physical and social persecution. I do not want to put those who risk much at greater risk, so I need to follow Your lead in how to reach out.

The Walk to The Temple Mount

My role is not to make some grandiose gesture or turn their efforts into some kind of Hollywood production (wouldn’t that be just like me as an American, mistakenly trying to make Your work BIGGER and BETTER by my standards?). Home-churches are alive in Israel and, although their numbers are small, their spirit is incredibly strong. I must trust that Your Spirit is working in The Land. Maybe my role is to love Your people by writing about them (and to them), sharing their story with others. I can invite them into our home-church by sharing my own struggles and victories and I can be taken into their home-church by receiving their love offerings in the same manner.

Jim Contemplating The Sea of  Galilee

Galilee

Can home-church – in The Land and in my land and in every land – be that simple? Your lessons don’t run quick and shallow, they carve deep rivers of understanding. I ask You to give me further sight, hearing and love, that I might grasp Your will and participate, in my own small way, in Your larger plan for home-churches throughout Your kingdom.  So that Your Home-Church, Your Bride, will be made ever more ready for the wedding feast to come.

Lord Jesus, help me to bring this message home.

3-12-2012 Open Says Me

Oldest City Gate ever discovered -
one of 7 Wonders of the Ancient World

Entrance to Tel Dan

Ancient of Days, I’m having trouble taking this all in. I was actually standing in front of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world – the city gate located at Tel Dan in the Northern Region of Israel, just below the Golan Heights. There was no ticket booth, there were no roller coasters or food kiosks and not one souvenir shop: Just You, me, my fellow pilgrims and a deep sense of spiritual history.

What I’ve learned, because of the geography of this land, is that this was THE place, (perhaps the very spot on which I stood while snapping pictures), where Abraham would have approached Your Promised Land. Here he would have had to seek favor with the locals, making sure they did not consider him, or his clan that accompanied him, as a threat.

“Wait a minute,” some might say. “Why couldn’t he have just skirted the gate, snuck in around and avoided the risk of confronting the Canaanites?”  Before this trip, I had considered that very question.

Mt. Hermon to the North

Abe would have been seen coming from a long way off – again because of the terrain – and the mountains on either side would have prevented any easy way around into the land. The “locals” were well aware of his approach and would have sent scouts to determine his intent. Abraham would have little choice but to approach honestly and declare his purpose…

            “My God, the one true God, told me to come here and live in the land.”

Fellow Pilgrims at Tel Dan

Hmmm, wonder what the locals might have thought of that? Did Abe proclaim his faith or did his just declare and interest in seeking out some good grazing ground? When You, Lord, told him You were going to give him this land for his descendents and he discovered it was in sever drought conditions, did he have a conversation with You? Did he express confusion, possibly even doubt about the opportunity You offered him?

Father A. was amazing in a lot of ways, Adonai. But You knew that, You saw that in him before he was even in the womb. A man who gave up his family business – You know the one, where his dad was an idol maker – shirked the ire of his relatives, took a flock of sheep (not an easy trade to pick up when you’re 70 years old) and headed to an unknown land at the bidding of a God no-one else recognized.

Abe had to have courage, Lord. There was no map, no GPS, nothing but legend and stories from other travelers. What would cause a man to radically redefine his lifestyle in such a way?

      …And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.  Gen 15:6

Crusader Fortress at Tel Dan

Go Forward

It makes me wonder about our relationship, Father God. Am I willing to abandon all for You? Are You sending me to unfamiliar places for reasons I can’t yet comprehend? Abraham didn’t hear Your purpose for him until he was already in transit and at risk. Do I have the faith necessary to go with only Your Spirit as my assurance?

Do I understand that You don’t offer anything more than relationship and that could mean anything – life, death; any and all of what You offer is blessing if I offer obedience.

I saw that in the land, Lord: A place of wonder for a wondering people. And I stood at a gate that represented a choice, just as it did to Abraham – turn back and resume your old life, or take a total leap of faith, a risk venture into the unknown Kingdom of the One True God.

Patti and Mark at City Gate

Thank You Ancient of Days for seeking relationship with Abraham and all his descendants: establishing a role model and inspiration for those like me, who might say, when offered the same opportunity, “That’s impossible, no one would risk that much.” And thank you for the ultimate historical and spiritual demonstration of Risk For All; he who even could teach Abraham, Your son, Jesus, my Messiah. By these examples, my walk is filled with possibility, not impossibility, the gate is opened wide and I walk through now in confidence, knowing You are leading me by example.

Mark C.

2-28-2012 First to Last

“Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a               denarius.

Gathering at Chapel of the Primacy at the Sea of Galilee

And on receiving it they grumbled at the 
      master of the house, saying, 
      'These last worked only 
      one hour, and you have made 
      them equal to us who have borne 
      the burden of the day and 
      the scorching heat.'

But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, 
      I am doing you no wrong. Did you 
      not agree with me for a denarius?

Take what belongs to you and go. 
      I choose to give to this last worker 
     as I give to you. Am I not allowed 
     to do what I choose with what belongs to me? 
     Or do you begrudge my generosity?'

So the last will be first, and the first last."

Mat 20:10-16

Flag of Israel

Flag of Palistine

I thought I understood this passage pretty well Lord, until I saw it spoken out in an event we attended in Your Land.

While in Jerusalem, the group we traveled with was invited to an evening session where a Palestinian Christian and a Jewish Scholar presented their perceptions of the Palestinian/Jewish conflict. The men shared about the problems involved in allowing for both Jewish and Arab governmental autonomy and both positions were compelling. Each “side” argued that the other had been unfaithful to the cause of a two party state and both listed off their frustrations, claiming victim status due to the actions of the other.

Rabbinic Does and Don'ts of the Western Wall

There was a time offered at the end of the session for questions. I felt very anxious – even uncomfortable – in this audience of pastors and others Biblically trained. Certainly they understood the issue better than I, but no one was asking The Question. I couldn't stop myself from wanting to know – Your Spirit’s urging was just too strong and, before I knew what was happening, my hand was going up to ask The Question. What was The Question You put on my heart Lord?

“I hear you both explaining this conflict in political and social terms. I hear Jewish and Arab frustrations because of cultural differences, but more than that, I hear you speaking in undertones about a greater Spiritual conflict, yet you’ve not addressed that issue. Is the Israeli Palestinian problem just political or is it really rooted spiritually and are you seeking God’s will about the issue?”

Column Stones at Israel Museum

Strong Chaos in Hebrew-translated FIRE

I want to say both men looked uncomfortable or convicted by the question, but in truth, they did not. In fact, both answered by dismissing the spiritual aspect (that has to do with personal preferences after all) and persisted with the concept that this was primarily a political problem.

When that had been stated, many more hands went up in the room and suddenly the entire scope of the conversation changed. Now the pastors and others seemed as confused as I was. In the land that You, Ancient of Days, have dwelled and chose a people and walked with them – they were saying You weren’t a significant…excuse me…The Significant part of the equation?

Palm Tree framing moon outside Church of the Annunciation

The dialogue intensified and others asked compelling questions about how Jews, Muslims, Christians, Messianics (Natsarim) and other sects interacted spiritually and socially. Was there any movement toward understanding God’s plan? Was there a deeper discussion of faith going on anywhere besides this room?

Still there seemed to be a missing link and You again inspired me to ask, “How can we as Christ-Followers, who love this land, become involved in the conversation. How can we help in seeking solutions involving God with his people?

Their answer (both men agreed to the same) was even more disturbing to me. “There really is no effort to involve Christians in this issue, they are, after all, a minority.”

Checkpoint entering Israel from Palestinian Authority

In other words, there aren’t enough Christians to significantly make a difference, let us handle this.

Welcome to the Chapel of the Primacy

Is this why the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes and all the others were so divided? They saw their rights in terms of percentages? Is that, Lord, one of the reasons You wept when You entered the city? Is this why we are so divided today, even within the faith of Christianity? Do You weep for us yet because we are not seeking unity in Your will?

Poinsettia at Bethesda

And as I relive this event, I have begun to wonder. When you, Jesus, were talking about the first being last and the last being first, were you distinguishing the nation of Israel from Gentiles (the established Jewish sects of the time having chosen not to recognize you as Messiah)? Were you lovingly pointing out how those you had chosen first had chosen their own will over The Creator’s desire?

Sculpture at Chapel of the Primacy

Could You also be speaking to us today; Evangelicals, Messianics, Jews, Muslims, Palestinians and all nations of the world, about how we “position” ourselves for personal gain instead of seeking, with all our hearts, soul and strength…You?

I can’t help thinking, Adonai, what a great opportunity You now allow us – to see how Your people have taken a spiritual issue and redefined it into a political/social conflict. Can we be turned again toward the light, Father in heaven?

Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord.

Mark C.

2-19-2012 Dreaming Outside the Box

Acacia Tree in wadi by Dead Sea

      You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.

      

      "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.

      

      Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

Joel 2:27-29

Good morning, Ancient of Days. Thank You again for Your presence,

Overlooking Megiddo (site of Amageddon)

As You know, I had plans, but they've been interrupted. I was going to write a warm and fuzzy blog entry about some of the experiences of our extraordinary trip to Israel and relate it in some pithy way to life as I perceive it. That plan was not Your desire. Something has been bothering me... dreams. Large dreams - each and every night since returning. Dreams about Your land and about our travel group and about the journey itself and...on and on. The visions have not stopped - not that I want them to, but as much a dreamer as I have been, I've not EVER had this kind of experience before.

Abraham & Eleizar
at Genesis Land

I want to share the dreams, but they are not entirely clear - filled with historical Biblical sites and lines of people - encounters with some, confrontations with others. I'd like to reason that this is just my mind's way of processing the overwhelming amount of experience that has been recently crammed into my tiny brain. Perhaps, but there's more. Lord, the sense I get each morning, when awakening is of great longing and hope, yet with a peace that...oh, this is going to sound way too scriptural, I almost hesitate...that I can't understand. These are not just visions of places seen in Israel, but also of destinations not yet visited.

Sebastia

This is where it gets a little... creepy, Spirit of Light. I offhandedly mentioned the consistency of my dreams to Patti and she replied immediately, "Me too." She has been experiencing the same phenomena! OK, that may be explainable because we are "soul mates" and share a lot of the same tendencies. But then I received a Facebook message from one of our travel group members who, unprovoked, also noted that he has been having constant dreams about our trip.

Bedouin & Friend

Church Dome at Jacob's Well

Joseph had to interpret for Pharaoh and Daniel for Nebuchadnezzar, Pilot's wife was given a message in the same way and You Yourself said in Numbers that You would make Yourself known in dreams. Are You trying to tell me/us something, Adonai? Am I personally just too dense to properly tune in to Your message? I don't want to miss it!

Jerusalem Alley

Mount Hermon

And a thought has occurred to me. How many others? Are there more of those from the trip who are  traveling in the night? At the risk of turning my attention from You in this conversation, Master, I'd like to ask of those following along - both those who journeyed physically and those who walked with us in prayer - are you dreaming? Are you seeing or hearing in ways that maybe are new to you or that you are reluctant to share because...you thought it was only you?

Path to Sea of Galilee near Mt. of the Beatitudes

Is this a beginning? A calling? Is it just an individual prodding or are You, the One who put definition to the word Exodus, preparing yet another venture for a multitude? Should we be keeping our wicks and oil ready for something yet unknown?

I'll be anxiously waiting for answers from my brothers and sisters, and from You, Creator. Meanwhile, I live and dream for You, my God.

Mark C.

2-10-12 Open Up Ye Gates

Capernaum Gate

I’m glad, Lord, that You prepared me for this completion of our Israel journey in Your typical manner – overlaying on the canvas of life, picture upon picture. The entry into the Promised Land, a scant ten days ago – full of anticipation and excitement; the unveiling of wonders unexpected and the revealing of truths both great and sometimes painful; the beauty of the Galilee followed by the confusion, hope, suffering  and ultimate triumph of Your entry into Jerusalem.

I’m on the plane jetting back to my home, but remembering at the moment, the Garden tomb – Gordon’s Calvary to be exact – one of several places considered likely to be “The Site” where You were crucified for my sins, buried and where You  turned Spiritual history upside down by defeating death for all who seek You.

This has helped me prepare to leave Your Holy Land although VERY RELUCTANTLY. The same sadness I felt leaving the shore of the northern sea, now helps me deal with my regret at flying away. I know greater things lay ahead, it’s just that I can’t see the path necessary to get there, and I don’t know exactly what You would have me do as I walk, climb and tumble along. But if I did, what would be the need for my faith?

Garden Tomb by Skull Hill

Oh yes, back at the tomb, Master. We shared communion: Patti, me and our newfound brothers and sisters. Words were spoken, Your body broken, the blood poured out – Remember this always for You. Shema – I remember what You have done, what You are doing. Shema – I will follow.

Door inside Garden Tomb

The trick as I see it, Lord, is not just remembering, but not forgetting. Not forgetting that, before this trip, I was NOT changed as I have been by Your land and its people. Not forgetting that my friends, family and acquaintances will NOT quite understand (as I did NOT quite understand) what the change would involve.  Not forgetting to live as changed believer who now does understand a little more Your words, “Many are invited, but few are chosen” – not a claim of predestined membership, but an admission that I have chosen to live changed and to submit to more change as You direct me.

Mark & Patti at Caesarea Maritima

Thanks and praise to You, Adonai for this chance to experience Israel first hand. Thanks and praise for all the pictures set firmly in my heart. Help me (You know I’ll need help!) to hear (Shema), to remember (Zakhar), and to know (Yadah) so that my faith (Emunah) will continue to grow through my life. With these thoughts, I believe I’m ready to arrive in a new holy land that awaits me, right in my own home and in the place I walk, drive, work and experience daily.

Sea of Galilee by Mt. of the Beatitudes

Lord, I’ll continue to reflect on the time spent in Your Land. Please help me to share it with others in a way that makes Your Land and their land come alive as it has for me - not because of our pleasure, but for Yours.

Shalom,

Mark C.

2-9-2012 Masada!

Masada Entry

Mike, our tour guide, approached me in Welcome Center of the site we were preparing to tour. I thought maybe I had committed some unknown cultural faux pas and he was going to correct me in his diplomatically warm way.

“Skip has requested to climb up, rather than take the tram. Petey is going with him and if you want to…”

“…Yes!” I almost shouted, not even pausing to consider the challenges that were going to present themselves. This was one of those opportunity moments that most likely come once in a lifetime and I couldn’t refuse. My “spiritual senses” were buzzing – I stilled myself with a prayer, listening for any indication that I should turn back. I had no doubt You were behind this, Lord, nonetheless, I wanted to seek Your blessing. Peace was my signal for a “go” with the mission. Off I ran to catch up with my newfound friends who were as eager as I to climb from base to summit, the mountain, in the Southern Judean wilderness, known as Masada.

Petey and Skip

Skip led the charge up the mountain…or should I say around the mountain. The pathway was very rocky and wound through amazing terrain, but it was not “up”. Soon we ran into another set of obstacles, a group of high school youth, also making the trek – they, apparently being less excited about the venture, were plodding along far to slowly for our trio. We skirted and dodged through the class, excusing ourselves politely as we hiked ahead. Well this can’t be too difficult, I thought as we continued to wind sideways. Hmm – when do things change?

Judean Wilderness in the direction of the Dead Sea

Careful what you pray for? Did I hear You speak that into my heart, Lord? Change is what You are always working on in me. I should know better!

The beginning of the Snake Path to Masada

And indeed – the path East took a sudden and sharp North. I watched Skip, ahead, starting to ascend and our nice rocky road became a goat trail – winding through crags and crevices, jutting left to right at impossible angels. Petey was behind me and I decided this was a good moment to turn back and take a picture. Beyond Petey, was a picture of vast desolation stretching from the jagged desert below us and out beyond to the Dead Sea. How, Adonai, could anyone survive out here long term, much less build a palace fortress as Herod did, or any kind of productive life for that matter? Yet many did and do.

I wanted to tell Petey not to look down, but thought, who am I – one is looking down – to make that suggestion? Skip on the other hand was still setting a grueling pace and I had to focus all my attention and energy on maneuvering the narrow way. I again looked below toward the Welcome Center (odd name, I was now thinking) and saw the group of teens following our example. Who would let their children take such risks, Lord? Who indeed.

Petey on the Snake Path

Now sweat was soaking my shirt and the path seemed to be getting even steeper – was this the right path? Was it even a path at all? Had Skip taken a wrong turn? We seemed to be headed up another mountainside, away from Masada, not toward it. The Exodus from Egypt came to mind – no wonder Your people questioned Moses. Skip was not currently on my “A” list.

Skip and Petey...lost?

I turned to make sure Petey was OK and realized, at a turn a little ways back, I had stopped for another snapshot and Petey had passed me. I was last! Something in me churned, Lord. Pride? I didn’t like being last. Something You are obviously still working on in me.

Regardless of positions, we all had a ways to go and as I measured in my mind, what I saw ahead of me, a strange thought came to my mind. “Don’t look up.” Did that come from You or from Satan, Master?

Masada aquifer caves viewed from Snake Path 

I turned and looked down once more and was astounded at the view – not only the natural chaos of the terrain, but to my left were cistern caves carved into the sheer cliff walls of Masada itself. How did the “first ones” do this?

Mark confirming the way

Finally, I heard Skip cheer. The trail above apparently was leveling off and turning to converge with Masada. We were nearing the completion of scaling the 1300 foot fortress sanctuary where, in 70 AD, a group of Jewish zealots held off the Roman army for 3 years. Incredibly, the Romans laid siege by building a dirt ramp up the side of the mountain, using slaves to accomplish the task. All at once, I was humiliated. How cruel and unbending we can be in our determination.

The straight and narrow path to Masada

Yet, another equally determined group climbed this mount without the aid of a marked path, bringing with them, wives, children and the outcast, to then make a  proclamation of their faith by sacrificing themselves instead of submitting to foreign gods. Am I that faithful to You?

From the top overlooking where Mark, Skip and Petey trekked

As for the rest of our journey to Masada, someone had gone to the effort of building a concrete stairway to ease our remaining steps to the summit. As my companions and I made our way up to join our group, we talked about our families and our appreciation for our wives (who most likely wouldn’t appreciate what we had just done). My mind, however, was still behind – making the trek up and realizing along the way, the significance of this moment. Far below, I could just make out the twisted path, now snaked with teenagers in their own struggle to ascend. What would they find when they arrived? No doubt their discoveries would differ individually from my own. We each learn from You according to different paths.

Patti and crew at the top of Masada

What had I leaned along the way? That others before me had achieved great things to allow me this moment? That You, God, are the Creator of all – both nature and man – and that it is only by Your grace that we can accomplish anything? The later, I think.

As I look both down and up from where I am, I try to set aside my pride and submit, Jehovah – Your son led the way by his own suffering path and victory of ascent.

Lead, Lord, and I will follow.

2-8-2012 It Is Good!

Wailing Wall

"It is good that you are here!" He exclaimed with real joy in his voice. He grabbed my hand in his and held it tightly. "Are you Jewish?"

"No," I averted, sensing that a more detailed explanation – how we followers of Jesus believe we are grafted into the Jewish family – might take us down a complicated path that You, Lord were not encouraging at the moment.

Within the tunnel of the Western Wall

The Moment, as You know, Lord, was in the tunnel beneath the Western Wall of the Old Jerusalem Temple. It is the only remaining wall of Herod's Temple and stands as a testimony of hope for a new Temple to come. I am confused and overwhelmed at the same time, taking in the images-come-alive before me. I am privileged to enter under the tunnel of the wall that had once been a separate lower entrance into the Holy of Holies. I am out of place here and yet invited by You to be here. I was about to leave because, well, I had placed my prayer offerings into the wall and had observed over fifty Hasidics, waving and bobbing and silently wailing (It's possible I tell You, I've witnessed it) in the beautifully intimate confines of this place. I thought it was time to be going. You said "No" to me and You were not worried about explanations.

"Will you give to the poor?" You spoke through the mouth of this little man dressed in black with a traditional yarmulke covering his grey hair.

"Of course," I reached into my pocket to supply Your people's needs and words came out of my mouth which were not mine. "You and I are in this place for the same reason." Apparently, You wanted to reach out to this Rabbi as well as to me.

Prayers at the Wailing Wall

"Yes!" Short in stature, but bubbling with spiritual wisdom, the Hasidic Rabbi who had so boldly approached me nodded and replied. The peace of all people with be here!"

I was so moved by his simple and fantastically true answer that I couldn't keep the next tease from tumbling off my tongue. "There is another reason".

"Oh?" Curiosity played as a smile and a quirked an eyebrow on the face of this sweet man.

"Messiah!" I smiled and whispered to him. Lord, I can honestly say, I have not seen a glow on a person as brilliant as his, after the words were spoken. But then he smiled at me with all his radiance, bent to the my hand which he still held and kissed it. "Oh Yes," he replied with tears. And I know I too was shining with the power of this moment when You joined us in brotherhood.

"What is your name," I asked?

"Aaron," he said.

Wailing Wall companionship

"I'm Mark." I replied. There wasn't anything else that needed to be explained between us. His first words came back to my mind. "It is good that you are here." It is good that we were both there and I wanted to build a booth to dwell in this perfect moment. You, Lord, again said, "No," but with love. I suspect You wanted to dwell there with us too, but Your Spirit spoke into our hearts, knowing we needed to go out and teach all nations.

"Shalom!" Aaron finally said, kissed my hand again and, as suddenly as the encounter had begun, it was past. My new friend had other tasks and went off to them with the same vigor with which he had approached me.

Mark at the Wailing Wall

Jesus my savior, somehow, some way, I know beyond a doubt, that Aaron and I will me meet again. It will be not at the base of this wall, but at the throne it supports. He and I will again greet each other with a kiss and then bow before You with a joy even beyond what both of us experienced this day.

Amen, Amen

Mark C.