Israel.finalpost - Religion Collision

Islam, Judaism, Christianity – they all seem to bump into each other in Jerusalem. You can pass a synagogue, a mosque and a church all within one city block. Each has their own quarter with shops and eateries within the Old Jerusalem walls. The wall was re-constructed by the Muslims 500 years ago. Massive stone arched gates lead into various sections of the walled city. All except for one that is.

The Eastern gate was built, but there's no way anyone is getting through. It is totally sealed off with blocked stone where it is believed the Messiah will return on the Day of Judgment. Muslim graves line the hillside along the Eastern gate and wall. Devout Jews would never walk among the dead. The Muslim mosque stands over the site of the original Jewish temple where it is believed that Muhammad left his footprint before ascending into heaven. For Muslims, this is the place of the final judgment where they believe Jesus will return declaring, “The only God is Allah, and his prophet is Muhammad.”

A Jerusalem Muslim gave a revealing picture of that final day. He said the Day of Judgment will be like a tight rope stretched from the Mount of Olives to the mosque and good works will determine if one can make it to the other side.

Crossing the Kidron Valley, adjacent to the Eastern Wall are thousands of Jewish graves where $25,000 will buy a grave site. Why? Because the Jews believe that the final judgment will take place in the Kidron Valley and to be as close as possible is better than having your soul roll through underground caverns to this significant spot. They continue to look for a redeemer, a Messiah. Devout Jews continue to live by the law. Our hotel had a specific elevator arranged for use on the Sabbath so no buttons would have to be pushed to get to a particular floor.

Not far away is Golgotha where a significant judgment took place 2,000 years ago. Beyond that is a tomb chiseled from the rocky hillside where once laid the Savior of the world. The judgment of the world laid upon Jesus, Son of God, in order that all peoples could be redeemed from the mark of sin on mankind. Jesus’ final earthly words said it all: “It is finished.” God’s grace. It’s about forgiveness. It’s ultimately about love.

Ironically, while singing Amazing Grace by the empty tomb the Muslim call to prayer rang out over nearby intercoms, while the Jews sang through the streets celebrating 60 years of nationhood.

"Thus the people were divided because of Jesus." John 7:43


(Dennis and I at the Mount of Olives with the Kidron Valley and the Old Jerusalem wall in the background. The gold dome-shaped mosque can be seen within the wall as well as the burial grounds just outside the wall.)

This is my final post on Israel. Thanks for letting me share those things that were close to my heart as we encountered this land.

Check out Dennis' Sabbatical Journey on my side links for an update on our Europe trip so far.