Jon’s Blog

I am about 26 hours away from walking out the gates of JUC for the last time. I cannot believe it. It feels like just yesterday I got here and now it's over. It feels like one big, wonderful dream. I have no clue what to expect as far as emotions go when I return home. I hope and pray that the things I've seen and learned will become so ingrained in my head that I will be changed forever. This semester has been a wonderful experience. I will never regret coming here or the things I got to see and am so thankful and blessed to have gotten this opportunity.

Posted by Jon at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Reality is rushing at me like a freight train. I will leave this place in less than a week. A week's time, Lord willing, will find me asleep in my own bed at home. In a week's time, these last 3+ months will feel like a dream.

As I look back, what impresses me the most? There are so very many things that have been ingrained in my mind. There are so many things that have expanded my mind. There are so many images and locations that have become a part of my daily life. There are so many friends that I have made.

I feel at a loss as I think through these things. I have 3 more finals and one more paper which are keeping me firmly anchored to the present: I cannot dwell too much on the "end" while I still have loose ends that need to be tied. I sure hope I pull them together well!

I think the craziest thing is this: Even though I've lived every day of the last 3 months in the Middle East, and mostly in Jerusalem, I STILL cannot believe I am here. Just yesterday, I walked out to Mamilla, the one modern, outdoor "mall" nearby school, by myself to pick up some Advil and as I was walking down that same old road we walk most every day, I suddenly stopped and looked up. I was, you know, just by that big old-fashioned wall we always see, nothing big. But then my mind reminded me again that this was the Old City Wall of Jerusalem. The significance of this place is always astounding, whether you've been here a week or 3 months.

What will I remember most?

Will it be climbing everything?

Will it be walking a few minutes to overlook the Western Wall whenever I feel like it?

Will it be the ridiculous sunsets?

Will it be class in ridiculous settings (here, at Masada)?

Will it be all the ruins and ancient locations I saw?

Will it be getting engaged on the Mount of Olives overlooking all of Jerusalem?

Will it be the glory of Petra?

Will it be the many people I've met?

Yes to all these probably. As I gear up for leaving, a storm of emotions buffets my brain. But this I know: God has been faithful. He has taught me much. He has shown me much. He has allowed for this wonderful experience in its entirety; all its ups and downs, highs and lows. With His help, I will be affected for a lifetime by this experience.

Posted by Jon at 5:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This past Thursday was Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This is the day, historically, in which the priest would enter into the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of Israel. The modern-day version is radically different, however, given the lack of a temple and the progressive nature of modern Judaism.

The day felt surreal. Whereas normal days have the roads full of cars, trucks, and tons of buses, Thursday was quiet as can be. The streets were cleared and people could be seen walking down the middle of normally busy city streets as people fasted and prayed for the forgiveness of sins.

A group of us went down to the Wailing Wall in the evening to observe. The place was packed with people praying and being quite offended if anyone made too much noise. As dusk approached, and with it the end of the holiday, the prayers rose into a loud hubbub of fervor which could be heard some distance away. The Jews, I am told, believe that at sundown the gates of heaven close again for the next year. Thus, if they are to receive forgiveness, they must get God's attention during Yom Kippur.

I must admit, it was a sad experience overall. We have a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God who made propitiation for the sins of the people (Heb 2:17, Rom 5:18). The temple's curtain was ripped asunder (Lk 23:45) and we may now confidently approach the throne of all glory, power, and grace, bowing to the majesty of Christ and believing in the promise of salvation through Him and Him only (Heb 4:14-16). If nothing else, Yom Kippur may serve to remind we who are being saved of what has been done! We have an advocate with the Father if we sin (1 John 2:1), constantly making intercession on our behalf: we need no Yom Kippur every year. Our Yom Kippur is over and done and what is left for us to live in the light of that once-for-all atoning sacrifice, that one act of obedience, and trust in Christ only for our salvation.

Posted by Jon at 5:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)