Another glorious day spent with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and his entourage escorting him through this unique Holy Land tour. This past day had a great spiritual undertone that brought all participants to higher levels of spirituality. Our Man of God started the day off with a visit to the Tomb of Lazarus, a sacred place with many events taking place in that exact place throughout the Bible.
The Tomb of Lazarus in Bethany is a traditional spot of pilgrimage for Christians across the world. The Tomb is located in Bethany (Al-Eizariya), a Muslim and a Christian Arab village in Jerusalem. Bethany was the home of the Lazarus, Mary and Martha and the setting of many New Testament events. Most famously, the site is the place of a miracle in the Gospel of John where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Just as described in the scripture:
So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. “I knew that you always hear me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” (John 11:38-44)
Additionally, the group made a stop at the Inn of the Good Samaritan. The holy site is mentioned in the Bible as the place of Christ’s parable about the man who “fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead” (Luke 10). The site symbolizes one of the central themes in Christianity, helping other no matter their origin.
Pastor Chris constantly emphasizes this message, of helping those in need. If you find yourself more fortunate than others around you, spread the love of Jesus and the glory of the Gospel. The Holy land tour is aimed at connecting Christians to the Bible and the morals it provides us in life.
