the Ascent to Jerusalem

On 9/30 we went to Masada in the morning. This is the old fortress of King Herod, located on the top of a mountain that has a small plateau on it. It overlooks the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert. It's the site of the last stand of the Jewish people against the Romans. For Israelis, Masada stands for freedom like the statue of Liberty for Americans. All Israeli soldiers are sworn in here, where they pledge to defend Israel to the death. It was a Roman military base at the top, and Herod's palace was at the front. We were at the front of Masada looking out over the Judean dessert when I heard a familiar voice. I looked up and saw Tom Brimmer, the guide for my tour in June/July. I had been praying since July that he would run into Robert Stearns, the leader of the group I was with. They are both leaders in the body of Christ in Israel and I believe the Lord wants them to work together. So both of them, who happend to be old friends, saw each other for the first time in years, right before my eyes! :) They also expressed their mutual desire to get together and see if they can work together. That was a very happy moment.
We took a short hike through Ein Gedi, where David hid from King Saul. I was there this past June (see my blog). Got to jump in a pool under a waterfall to cool off from the heat of the desert. Then, we drove South to pray in Jericho. We crossed the Palestinian border. Jericho is the oldest city in the world. We walked up on the Tel (old hill of the ancient city) to pray for it. Just like the Elisha Spring fountain at the base of the Tel, God is bringing life to the city. A ministry has sprung up there recently that is moving in healings, and signs. Muslim residents are coming to know Jesus.

We then ascended from the depths of the Dead Sea to the mountains to Jerusalem, the city of the King of Kings, the city Jesus is returning to! Our hotel is a 10 minute walk from Damascus Gate, the Gate of the Old City on the North side of the wall.