Accidental Martyrdom?

Many of you have heard of the bus bombing that took place last Wednesday killing one and injuring many. Interesting information has caused me to be interested in the attack and to comment briefly.

The victim of the attack was a woman from the U.K. and worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators. She worked for 20 years translating the New Testament in Togo (West Africa) and had come to Jerusalem to study Hebrew in preparation for return and translation of the Old Testament.

My primary thought is the sovereignty of God. The flow of people through the Jerusalem Central Bus Station is by far primarily Jewish. In addition the claimant of the bombing was Hamas, indicating further the Jewish population and the state of Israel as the target of terror. Why then does God allow a woman translating His Word to be the the unsuspected and untargeted victim? This can't even be published as a story of martyrdom. Dare we even try to make sense of it?

All this came upon us,
though we had not forgotten you;
we had not been false to your covenant.
Our hearts had not turned back;
our feet had not strayed from your path.

Psalm 44

Galilee Day 4

Tears came to my manly eyes as we read the story of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5 this morning. This man, separated from his land and people, is worse than dead, crying out like the Hyenas of the wilderness behind the cliff line. Not only does Jesus heal the man, but tells him specifically to go home to his land and to his people declaring what the master has done for him. The steep banks running into "Yom," the dangerous sea in the distance, bring back memory to the chapter before where Jesus was shown to be master even over its furious storms.

Charozim and Capernum were reminders of the nature of Jesus' call - both by his own trade and by the trade of his disciples. Chorazim was a brand new town of Jewish nationalists - a growing city where a tecton like Jesus would have found jobs. After the lame man was lowered thorugh the roof one could speculate that Jesus himself would have helped to patch the hole. In Capernum we see a fishing village where fishermen were called from their nets to work alongside the very men like Matthew who may have taxed the fishing trade for the government. The mishna notes that rabbis of Jesus' day kept their jobs. Is it any surprise that we find the disciples back at their nets later in the gospels? Would we be surprised to find Jesus working on a house in the middle of his 3 year ministry in Galilee? Does such information demand that contemporary ministry look the same or is it just another cultural aspect in which Jesus worked?

Our 4 day trip to Galilee ended at the Tel of Beth-Shean/Scythopolis. It stands as a pillar through time. Egyptian ruins poke through the Grecco Roman pillars, bath-houses, and theaters. The imprint of Hellenism is as massive as the Tel itself.

Galilee Day 3

We began day three in the middle of the Levant at one of the largest cities during the time of the Mesopotamian city-states - Hazor. This place along with Dan is along the funnel of Eurasian traffic from the North, Mesopotamia, to Egypt in the South. When Joshua led the Israelites into the land following the Exodus, Hazor is the leading city state of the land. In Joshua 11, the king of Hazor leads the other kingdoms of the Levant against the Israelites. According to the narrative they seem to use a sneak tactic, but Joshua outsneaks them. When Hazor is declared as no longer being the controlling factor, the focus on the Israelites is obvious.

One of our final stops today was Caesarea Philippi, and it was one of my favorites this semester. Many different aspects of Jesus' ministry come together in this place. During Herod's reign the first Roman Caesar to deify himself, Augustus, was dedicated a temple. The living active identidty was prominent to the extent that the Jews fought against each other and wild beasts in the amphitheater.

To see the place where Peter was called the rock gives so much perspective to the story. This rock is 10,000 feet high and spreads back 25 miles. Add this to the many translation of what rock Jesus is referring to, and you have what Dr. Wright would call "happy hermeneutical hunting ground." The only mention of the church in the gospels is here and its relation to Caesarea Philippi makes one consider the cultural implications. Then just a bit later Jesus begins his 9 month trek back to jerusalem for the triumphal entry.

I am struck with the topography of Jesus' ministry. Not only are the visual examples of the narrative constantly coming to life, but also the history of movement is very... earthy? Real. The question constantly resurfaces: Why did Jesus choose these places? Why did he spend his time around the Hellenistic cities rather than the more firmly Jewish populations? What can we learn from this topography?

Galilee Day 2

The second day opened with a view from Mount Precipice, the traditional location of Jesus' flight from the angry mob. Although the location of the legend is less than certain, the view is a 360 degree historical snapshot.

From here one can see Nazareth, the place where Jesus grew up, worked, and increased in knowledge and stature. The story of Deborah and Barak can be remembered looking backward in to the Jezreel Valley. the death of Saul and his son took place across the valley. Ahab expanded his kingdom through the valley, as did the more Torah-observant Josiah. Elijah also grew up in this place of Messianic connection, but not a single one of these kings and prophets had been the ultimate Messiah. Through Luke 4, one can imagine these stories coming together in Jesus' mind, the One who was now proclaiming Himself Messiah.

Sepphoris exemplified another picture of Roman influence. through Herod. During his reign this was a capitol of the district of Galilee. upon his death, the Jews tried to regain control thorugh this city, though Rome quickly came in to quell, destroy, and rebuild. More interestingly, some have theorized that Jesus may have spent a significant portion of his life building here. Since the place was close to his hometown and had great demand for the tecton - skilled craftsman in local building materials - it would only be natural. This would have introduced him to the Gentile population very early and one can envisage him building the theater, later in his ministry using the word Hypocrite from the Roman drama.

From the Cliffs of Arbel another 360 degree view is

available. The Sea of Galilee spreads to the East with the coastal cities in sight. Hippus on the far shore is the only "city on a hill" and may have been the visual reference in the Sermon on the Mount. To the West the Horns of Hattin spread across the horizon reminding of the basaltic rock that intermingles with the Eocene limestone. Whatever has changed the landscape, the people, the sounds and smells; one thing remains - the rocks, the topography that Jesus walked.

Galilee Day 1

We began our four day trek through the Galilee at Casarea. In this "uttermost part of the earth," the Roman society was very visible. The Hellenizedcoastal plain was centered around this amazing feat of engineering - a port in an unnatural place. Surrounding the port are thre remains of theater, amphitheater, hippodrome, and palace complete with a freshwater swimming pool mere yards from the Mediterranean shore.

At lunchtime we travelled Northeast through the Jokneam pass to the most prominent place along the Israeli Mediterranean cost - Mount Carmel. Her the Jezreel valley spreads across the horizon with a splendid view. At Muhraqa we considered the story of Elijah the prophet who may have gotten water from the nearby spring to prove the power of YHWH. The thunder of the day made the image of Baal all the more prominent, and Dr. Wrights insight on the flight of Elijah was an interesting reminder of our God who cannot be controlled by Human convention. He can light fire through the lighting or speak in utter silence.

Megiddo was a view into the past and the future. Over 25

layers have been found on this ancient tel. One of the most impressive remains is a grain storage bin that probably dates to the time of Hosea and Amos. Such a size could only have been used by a ruler for taxation, which fits nicely with the social justice message preached by the prophets. As for the future, this is often the supposed place for Revelation 16s Battle of Armageddon. Dr. Wright explained why Har Mo'ed might be a better translation indicating the Mount of Assembly - Jerusalem (cf Isaiah 14, Zech 12, 14, Joel 3, and Is 29).

We finished the day at Jezreel which points out

the connectedness of the Jezreel valley. From here one can see transjordan east as well as through the end of the valley to the west. This is the eastern pinch of the international route. The prominence of the spot is evident by the stories of Judges 6-8, Ahabs capital, and II Kings 8.

Purim

On March twentieth, I attended a Purim gathering at the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem. Purim is a very unique time of celebration for the Jews. People dress up, drink alcohol, and celebrate freedom from bondage, commemorating the freedom granted through Esther millennia ago. The festivities and the gatherings were a representation and reminder to me about the way of life for the Jewish people.

The festivities in Jerusalem around the time of Purim were full of smiling people, happy conversation, and joyous celebration. The costumes on the children and adults alike were both jolly and intriguing. I could not help but wonder at a few of them. Some people wore costumes that represented other religions, and other dressed like demons or devils. This was quite surprising to me and I wondered about the thought process behind such decoration. Was there no reasoning behind wearing a devils costume in the Synagogue?

I noted the diversity of the Jewish population. While the majority wore costumes of all kinds, some Jews were not wearing costumes. I compared such actions to my Halloween experience in the states. Around Halloween, many consider the holiday an inappropriate celebration and avoid all association. I wonder what the thought process of such Jews might be.

At the Synagogue I was excited to hear the reading of the scroll of Esther. The reading of the entire scroll was an admonishment to my own experience in the Christian church. Many congregations read the story of Christ’s birth on Christmas, but that is the extent of large portions of Scripture being read publicly. It is clear through such action how seriously a congregation upholds the words of what they consider to be sacred texts. On the other hand, two different aspects of the reading of Esther seemed inappropriate. First, quite a few children were running around and shouting during the reading. After talking with friends who attended different synagogues, it became apparent that this was actually subtle compared to the merriment at other synagogues. Their shouting and running seemed very disruptive. Second, the shouting during the pronouncing of Haman’s name seemed almost like a cheer for the man himself. From noisemakers to clapping hands, it seemed that Haman was more important than any other part of the story. Though I respect the public reading of sacred texts, the treatment of the occasion seemed incongruous from my perspective.

A final experience on my way from the great synagogue gave me another picture that will linger in my mind. Surrounded by drunk Jews saying and doing things that seemed to me improper, a man on the bus struck up a conversation with us. After sharing a little of his background he began to speak about his thoughts of the Jewish faith. He said he was studying Torah, but was nonchalant acting like it was not a big deal. He implied any religion was good when it helped people do good things. Though this man was under the influence of the alcohol, I wondered if such speech was coming out from deep inside of him. Did he really think that such matters were not a big deal?

I come away from Purim with a mixture of good and bad experience. I question my own understanding and the strengths/weaknesses of my own foundation of experience. Is this what the Creator of the universe calls good? Is this a fitting way to celebrate freedom for those who are called God’s people?

Scene Three

(Read one and two first)

Capernum! We made it. After dinner last night, we treked down the slope and began walking the road to Arbel at the base of Mount Arbel. A car sped past and Matt took the chance to give the hitch-hiker sign. The car screeched to a stop as we joined a young man heading our direction. If this was how easy it was to hitch-hike we were bound to try it again.

After finding the trail again in Arbel we began the long ascent. At the top, we camped near the gate of the national park.

The final trek to the lookout in the morning was absolutely stunning. We had not yet seen the Sea of Galilee in its daylight beauty. A winding path down the northeastern face led us past cows, some of which didn't care to get out of our way on the trail. When we reached the main highway along Galilee, we decided to try the hitch-hiking tactic again. Sure enough, within minutes we were taking the easy road to a city just outside of Capernum. After visiting the traditional place of the feeding of the five thousand, we finished the trek to Capernum. One elderly gentlemen looked at my Wheaton shirt and introduced himself as a Wheaton grad. We made a few connections and

thought it quite exciting to meet such fellow Wheaties in such a place. Only minutes later, I spotted another Wheaton shirt and we met two more recent graduates. A few minutes of conversation seemed to be the extent of our meeting until they were the ones to respond to our hitch-hiker thumb just a bit out of the old city. They said they were on their way to the Mount of Beatitudes and we had no reason not to join. A quick tour together and a picture (hopefully for the alumni magazine) were in order. I can picture the subtitle now: "Wheaton students meet Wheaton graduates in Capernum."

Scene Two

It was a little about eight in the evening when we climbed the Horns of Hattin. We had pushed through 25 kilometers since nine in the morning. The trail was fairly easy with lush country and beautiful views all around. Cana was a quaint little town where we grabbed a bite to eat and some groceries for the coming shabbat. Here we were now with sore feet and tired limbs, overlooking the sea of Galilee and the flickering lights of the dozen cities and villages in view. It was another one of those surreal moments that you never really look forward to, but its beauty catches you by surprise. Over there is Capernum. Over there might be where Jesus told the Disciples to cast their nets on the other side. And this place is where Jesus walked on water through a storm. We sat in silence, munching on our apples, fresh pita and jelly. On this night the winds and waves were still.

One scene

It was our first night on the Jesus Trail. We had run from Jaffa gate a mile to the Central Bus Station with 30lb packs on our backs. One person made the bus behind us and the rest were going to have to wait 2 hours for the next one. At our layover in Afula a problem in the scheduling forced us to wait 2 hours for a bus to Nazareth. By the time we stepped out, we were already a bit bus lagged. On the other hand, we were in Nazareth. Who gets to go to Nazareth every day? 64000 people according to google.

But as I said, the scene is a night one. We've been hiking 5 hours, 3 of which have been since after sundown. We actually spent the last hour down a rabbit trail that we finally re

alized was not the Jesus Trail. Renewed vigor comes as we hear a party going on near a big bunch of lights. As we get closer we hear "Hey Soul Sister" blaring, and soon realize that the lights are flooding 2 full basketball courts - an oasis in the wilderness.

What sounded like a party was indeed a happy gathering. The youth center had children of all ages preparing costumes and decorations for Purim. The two young men pictured were overjoyed to see us. Sports was the topic of conversation in addition to a bit of life backgrounds. They could hardly believe that we were going to press on tonight. "Aren't you scared of the lions out there?" As we were about to leave one wanted to get a picture with the three guys who had just walked out of the forest travelling all the way from the states. We headed into the darkness looking for the rocks with the postcard size trail marker.

The flag of Israel

I've learned some interesting things about Jewish symbolism, and two of these symbols are present on the flag of Israel. While the flag is directly connected to the Jewish people, it also has some secrets of which many people are unaware.

The star of David is the prominent center piece. Interestingly, the star of David is not necessarily a Jewish symbol. It has been used by Muslims, Free Masons, Raelists, Theosophists, Hindus, and others. In fact, the menorah is the only symbol that is exclusively Jewish.

The blue stripes also are connected to Judaism. In the Bible, the Israelites are commanded to have one of the threads of their prayer shawl dyed with tekhelet. This dye shows up 48 times in the Hebrew scriptures and the dying process has since become extinct. Today, many Jews instead have another blue, black, or purple dye used. The blue stripes on the Israeli flag remember these threads.

Negev

Day three of our weekend trip to Negev was along the Dead Sea. It was one of my favorite days in Israel thus far. The landscape is so unlike anything I've ever experienced before and a new astonishing skyline appeared around every corner.

Our trip to Masada was a significant highlight. It began with a 3:05 ascent up the 225 vertical feet staired path from the West. The quick trek up was a reminder of the natural fortress such a land formation provides.

I was especially struck with the history of Masada. it is quite amaxing that such a place was built especially as a palace fortress for Herod, a man who was hardly present there. What kind of empire must be in place to build and cultivate Masada the way it was? How much time and craftsmanship went into the structures built for a man who would only visit a few times in his life? How many servants snuck into the bathhouse during his absence? How much of his imported wine was snuck into other houses? It is hard to believe, but a great insight into the past, seeing the power and control that Herod had.

The Dead Sea was also a much anticipated adventure. Of course, I had heard enough to know what to expect, but to experience makes all the difference. The salt in my eyes was a stern reminder of the saline content. The bare shoreline was a reminder that this body of water drops 1/10 in. every day due to fake irrigation and artificial water control. Such a unique experience overwhelmed my senses.

Follow the Passion

Last week a group gathered to consider the words of Matthew 6. I was struck with amazement at verse 24:

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

I've read it before; in that sense it wasn't anything new. Yet I was suddenly struck by the demand of the language. Is it really that cut and dry? Is it absolutely impossible to serve God and money at the same time? When any love of money shows up, does that mean I am despising God? Is it truly necessary to hate money if I desire to love God? Have I lost you already with such fanatical language?

The words of my father ring in my ear: "Follow the passion! Your passion will always lead to your God." I've possibly overstated it before by saying that the Jews value Torah, the Catholics value holy ground, and the Protestants value light and sound systems. Its laughable but too close to the truth for comfort. Do these passions lead to our God?

Such words aren't so far from Matthew 6:19 where Jesus states, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

I didn't think I came too close to making money a god, but I'm afraid I haven't been despising it.

Kabbalat Shabbat

Every Friday evening many Jews celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat. This welcoming of the Shabbat day is a festive time as well as hallowed reminder of the peace and wholeness represented by Shabbat. This Sabbat’s Kabbalat service and Shabbat meal with Rabbi Moshe brought to my mind the tradition of the Jews, the community of the Jewish people, and the encompassing lifestyle of the Jewish tradition.

The tradition of the Jewish people was evident in many ways; some appear to be good and others questionable at least from my original perspective. Throughout the Kabbalat Shabbat service and Shabbat dinner various Psalms and texts were sung. The familiarity of these pieces was evident through two young children behind me who clearly knew the words and tunes from repetitive experience. I wondered how rote and meaningful such experience was as various settings were sung in a clearly hurried and seemingly driven manner. Were these rushed sections very though out and meaningful to those who were rehearsing them? On the other hand, the continuity and internalization of such pieces were evident by the various people singing from memory and appearing outwardly to be very heartfelt and sincere. I could not help but relate such experiences to the varying people in my own faith, some of whom rush through hymns and prayers while others have a clearly intentional motivation. The tradition of the Jewish people seems to have created a repetitive atmosphere with good as well as possibly less than excellent consequences.

The community of those who gathered at the Kabbalat Shabbat service was also noticed. It was almost surprising to see children participate in the service in an active role – something of which I had not thought or expected. This reminded me of these people as a group of families whose lives were intertwined by various consequences and experiences. The gathering was a reminder of the central role that community plays in the lives of these people. The dinner was evidence of the family as the heart of this group. It was interesting to see Rabbi Moshe’s joy especially over the presence of his son at the Shabbat table. From the blessings over wife, children, and each other, one could see the various aspects of community that makes these people who they are.

The lifestyle of the Jewish tradition was a catalyst for my own faith. To see the daily time and energy of devotion was an admonishment against my own way of life. Daily prayer and recitation are coupled with weekly gatherings and formal meals to create a way of life centered on religious belief. The belief of these people affects their life from all angles, and I wonder if my faith is as all encompassing as it should be. I wonder if my faith should be more communal with family and church. Is it merely an Eastern mindset that displays such community and a Western one which is more individualistic, or does something deeper drive the thought processes? All of these angles were refreshing and challenging in comparison to my own tradition and practice.

Tradition, community, and lifestyle were the words shuffling through my mind as I walked home on March fourth. The practices of the Jewish people are not only interesting to an observer, but they are also reminders to the one with religious belief; they are admonishments to the one who thinks he takes his faith seriously.

Shabbat Shalom

From the Jewish people, I am learning a respect for the holiness of time. It is something celebrated and observed more than any other religion. The Jewish observance of time seems to be almost as appreciated as their regard for Torah. Do they understand something about YHWH that I do not?

Abraham Joshua Heschel writes, "Judaism is a religion of time aiming at the sanctification of time. Unlike the space-minded man to whom time is unvaried, iterative, homogeneous, to whom all hours are alike, qualitiless, empty shells, the Bible senses the diversified character of time. There are no two hours alike. Every hour is unique and the only one given at the moment, exclusive and endlessly precious." He continues, "When history began, there was only one holiness in the world, holiness in time. When at Sinai the wod of God was about to be voiced, a call for holiness in man was proclaimed: "You shall be unto me a holy people." It was only after the people had succumbed to the temptation of worshiping a thing, a golden calf, that the erection of a Tabernacle, of holiness in space, was commanded. The sanctity of time came first, the sanctity of man came second, and the sanctity of space last. Time was hallowed by God; space, the Tabernacle, was consecrated by Moses."

And so I pass on the Shabbat Amida Blessing:

Those who celebrate Shabbat rejoice in Your kingship, hallowing the

seventh day, calling it delight. All of them truly enjoy Your goodness. For

it pleased You to sanctify the seventh day, calling it the most desirable day,

a reminder of creation.

Thus it is written in Your Torah:

The heavens and the earth, and all they contain, were completed. On the seventh day

God finished the work which He had been doing; He ceased on the seventh day

from all the work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and called

it holy, because on it He ceased from all His work of creation.

Our God and God of our ancestors, accept our Shabbat offering of rest. Add

holiness to our lives with Your mitzvot and let Your Torah be our portion.

Fill our lives with Your goodness, and gladden us with Your triumph.

Cleanse our hearts and we shall serve You faithfully. Lovingly and

willingly, Lord our God, grant that we inherit Your holy gift of Shabbat

forever, so that Your people Israel who hallow Your name will always find

rest on this day. Praised are You, Lord who hallows Shabbat.

Let us love work so much that we must be commanded to rest, and let us love this hallowed day of rest, a holy time. Shabbat Shalom

Some have asked for a history of how I got here. And so, I will narrate a brief story of what I see as beautiful providence...

I believe it started about a year ago when Matt Traylor told me he was considering a study abroad program in Jerusalem. I don't really remember my initial response, but my usual selfish self probably thought something like, "Thats really going to be a bummer that one of my best friends will be gone for an entire semester." Instead of leading us apart though, such news intrigued my curiosity enough to check out a few details.

I had never considered study abroad at all. I assumed that money, course scheduling, and status in the conservatory wouldn't allow it. In fact, the usual response when I state that I am an organ major studying in Jerusalem is, "Where are you practicing?" But I get ahead of myself...

My first semester at Wheaton was a very worrisome one. I spent more time questioning why I was a piano performance major than I spent practicing. What was I doing with my life? I remember errantly thinking that what I decided in those first semesters would control how God could use me in the future. With realization that I was definitely not interested in performing for the rest of my life, and even the doubt that I would ever like to teach, I decided to switch to organ performance. Such a change was perfect for the one who wanted to mesh the American dream of job security and a goody-two-shoes family life with every believers dream of doing something great for Jesus that everyone will admire.

Within a semester I was back to more thinking on the organ bench than practicing on the organ bench. Part of my grappling was with the thought of millions of people without a Bible in their own language. What kind of aim was sitting on the organ bench my whole life, when many don't have a Bible to read? I am often too quick to make up my mind; I figured this was another emotional high that would soon pass so I stuck it out. But that feeling didn't change, so after two more semesters I took a slight change of direction and went to Music with Elective Studies in Bible and Theology. Its a bummer, because its a mouthful when people ask what your major is. In fact, its even more of a bummer that its a mouthful and it doesn't even make sense to most people so it merely calls for more explaining. I mean, if you are going to slap an eight word title on a major, you might as well make it self explanatory.

That semester I started asking the questions. Would the credits work out? What would I miss? Who has been there and what did they think? After realizing that I would spend no more money to study abroad in Jerusalem, I really didn't know why I shouldn't. I saw it as a testing time when I would have no musical instruments in front of me. I saw it as an opportunity to learn another culture, to step out of the American dream. I saw it as an intense time of training concerning the geographical and cultural settings of Bible. God seemed to open every door in miraculous ways and I kept walking.

That brings me to this semester. I can't tell you that in 6 years I will be in a jungle translating, but I do know that this is preparing me for a life of understanding the Bible better. Whether it be in the tedious word choice of Bible translation, the accountability of shepherding a congregation some day, or the very likely responsibility of teaching my children about the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, I am thankful for the lessons I am learning here.