October 21,2009

Since I took Old Testament History with Dr. Gerry White I was facinated with Hezekiah's tunnel. When I found out we were to go through Hezekiah's tunnel in Israel I was thrilled. King Hezekiah built this tunnel to provide water into the city of Jerusalem. Because Jerusalem is on a hill it lacked water for the city. During the time the assyrians were taking over the land Hezekiah wanted to have a way for fresh water to be brought to the city and he did not want the Assyrians to find this water. So he got men to start digging a tunnel in the city at the pool of Siloam and then had men start at Gihon Spring. Blindly these men started digging and then met in the middle. Look at the map to the left see how zig zag the tunnel is. They did not have the tools we had today to make a tunnel. In a different map that I had seen in my class you could see some of the false tunnels where they were digging and had to back track in a different direction. I think it is miraculous these men met in the middle. It took faith, perseverance, and guidance from God to make this tunnel. It is like in life. We can go through life blind not knowing where we are going or where God is leading us. We may make a false move and have to back track or go a different direction. In the tunnel it is a very narrow path and at times you can hit your head on the ceiling. Then you have the cool running water at your feet reminding you that there is an end to the tunnel where you can see again. Although it was an exciting adventure in that tunnel for us we were blind we could not see, but of course we did bring flash lights to see. In life though we do not get to have flash lights if we are in the dark. We are always searching for the light, seeking truth or answers. We want to get out of the hard or dark places in life so we can see the light again. When you are at the end of the tunnel there is a lot of rejoicing for  you accomplished the struggle you were facing through the help of God guiding you. It is important as Christ followers to be used by God to guide those who are not Christ followers to the light at the end of their dark and narrow tunnel. For there is rejoicing at the end of the tunnel and celebration. It even says in Luke 15:10 "I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."Even as Christ followers we can get lost and into a dark tunnel. God places people and scripture in your life so you can get through the tunnel. Usually though we recognize the cool waters at our feet reminding us there is light at the end of the tunnel. It brings hope to us knowing there is going to be an end. Although the men met in the middle and still were in the dark there was much rejoicing for they have brought light at the end of the tunnel through the guidance of their Lord. When they were rejoicing they chiseled a plaque to commemorate the meeting place of the two parties. I was sad that they took out the inscription from inside the tunnel. The British have it in a Museum. Being in Hezekiah's tunnel was one of my favorite experiences. 

What was even better today was not seeing Christ in the tomb. We went to the Garden tomb today as well. It was definitly a time of reflection and rejoicing the fact that Jesus is no longer in the tomb. He went through a brutal beating and died on the cross so we may go to heaven through a perfect sacrifice. Three days later he over came death, and 40 days after that he ascended into heaven to fulfill prophesy. Now we are waiting for his return. God loves us so much!

God thank you again for your love. You sent your perfect son to die an undeserving death, so that he can be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Thank you for his resurrection over coming death. Thank you for being my compass, although I do not follow your guidance all the time. I soon come to realize again I need you guiding me. Thank you for being that light at the end of the tunnel. I love you and praise your name!