Garden of the Empty Tomb

The Garden Tomb was our final tour.  The Place of the Skull is still visible, but the “eyes” are full of weeds, and there is a bus terminal below it.  Most likely, the garden was originally a vineyard, but now it is a lovely tranquil spot, just outside the walls of old Jerusalem, near the Damascus Gate, hence named as there begins the famed Road to Damascus.  A British foundation owns and maintains the property.

The Empty Tomb

After seeing the tomb, we gathered in a shady section of the garden for our final group worship.  We sang a few songs, and Joel said a few words; though it seemed there wasn’t much left to be said.  After a brief sermon on the death and resurrection of Christ, a few steps from where both occurred, we shared a communion service.

As I pack for home, my eyes are moist, my mind is spinning; happy, sad, fulfilled…

Still thirsty.

I am carrying a part of Israel home with me in my heart, but a part of my soul will always remain in Israel.

Psalm 134:  1 Behold, bless the Lord, all servants of the Lord, who serve by night in the house of the Lord!  2 Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the Lord.  3 May the Lord bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth.