IN THE GARDEN
Today's reading: John 19-21

"The place of the crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. And so, because it was the day of preparation before the Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there." John 19:41-42 NLT

Even seven months after my trip to Israel, I have a hard time pin-pointing which place might have been my favorite.

The sounds and waves of the Lake of Galilee will forever hold a place in my heart and mind.

I truly enjoyed En-Gedi.

I remember very well our service in the area of Gabbatha, or the pavement where Jesus would have suffered his worst beatings and scourgings.

I was intrigued by Masada.

I was baptized in the Jordan River.

But this morning when I read over the account of the crucifixion and the garden tomb, my mind stopped and recalled memories from that time of my trip.

It was a beautiful garden, well landscaped with walking paths for the tourists, like myself, to use safely. It is maintained by a British family that has had ownership of the piece of property since the late 1800's, there purpose in opening it to the public to announce the Gospel.

I don't know if it is the 'exact' spot where Jesus' tomb was. I don't think they can even tell us with 100% certainty, but it sure was a special place.

It was quieter there. It held an air of worship. It was a slower paced part of our break-neck speed tour. This was a place where we were no longer tourists, but international worshipers.

We were able to participate in a very special communion service within a few yards of the empty tomb. With the members our new family of friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. With a new sense of what the pages of the Bible held between its covers.

Then we were off to dinner and the plane that would take us back to our homes. Away from the Holy Lands. Back to life as we had known it--but with a completely different twist to it!

My faith walk has not been the same since the trip and the viewing of the empty tomb. I didn't have to go to Israel to be saved, but it sure has taken my relationship to a completely different level of belief. I believed, without seeing the emptiness of that cave, that Jesus had been killed, buried and resurrected for me...but seeing it? Touching the walls as we stooped to go into the burial chamber? Being reminded of what had happened, whether it happened in that spot or not?

The tomb is empty...Praise our Resurrected Lord!