For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. Psalm 132:13-14

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Psalm 24:3-5

So we decided to visit Israel and stay in Jerusalem, in the heart of the historic sites; The Garden Tomb, The Mount of Olives, The Western Wall, The City of David to name but a few. We stayed for seven days but it seemed we were there longer because of all that we experienced. Blessed beyond measure we were, such that when we returned, we knew we would be going back!

God is known in Israel and Israel oozes with history. The history of man with God.

When we landed in Israel, we were definitely in a different world. Although we had not anticipated the heat or “semi-sauna” when we came out of the airport. Nonetheless, my daughters and I were so excited we were in Israel. So excited that we did not care if temperatures soared to melting point!

“Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.” John 19:41

When we arrived at the garden, the atmosphere there was peaceful. The truth is, words cannot capture fully, how one feels when they are in this garden. One senses victory and one is in awe of the goodness and love of God. His grace, His mercy and His love are so tangible when you are there such that, anyone who comes to see the tomb, lingers long.

What happened in that tomb is a marvel to this very day. Jesus, the Son of God died and was laid in there. Two angels in white were seen in that tomb sitting, where the body of Jesus had lain. One at the head and one at the feet. They too had seen what had never been seen before and they must have marvelled. The work was finished. We had the victory at last, because Jesus did it for us. For He died and rose again!

Right now Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father; interceding for you and for me.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:15-17

In conclusion, Jesus is alive today and is pleading for everyone to come to Him and be saved. He died for each and every one of us. He came to redeem us from sin. For the scriptures say we were sold to sin. Therefore we were separated from God, our creator. But now through the atoning blood of Jesus, we have been brought near. The scriptures say we were faraway. But now through Jesus we have been adopted into God’s family and we are now children of God.

Will you receive the forgiveness of your sins by accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord? As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.” Hebrews 3:15-17