Remembering Jerusalem

N.B: All pictures posted here have been taken during my trip to Israel in April 2017. They ARE subject to copyright, so please kindly ask me prior any use. Thank you.


Remembering Yerushalayim: yes, it is a Jewish thing!

A few days ago, people were celebrating "Yom Yerushalayim" in reference to the reunification of Jerusalem that occured in 1967. Yom Yerushalayim is a national holiday that starts on the 28th day of Hebrew month Iyyar.

 אִם-אֶשְׁכָּחֵךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָם--    תִּשְׁכַּח יְמִינִי.
תִּדְבַּק-לְשׁוֹנִי, לְחִכִּי--    אִם-לֹא אֶזְכְּרֵכִי
אִם-לֹא אַעֲלֶה, אֶת-יְרוּשָׁלִַם--    עַל, רֹאשׁ שִׂמְחָתִי.

Psalm 137: 5-6

If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
    let my right hand forget its skill!
6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,
    if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
    above my highest joy!

"Every male must appear in the presence of the LORD your God three times a year at the place where he will choose: for the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Seven Weeks, and the Festival of Tents."

Deuteronomy 16:16

Have you noticed that the name Jerusalem, Yerushalayim, is recurrent in the Bible? Did you know that it actually gets 638 mentions?
As a matter of fact: JERUSALEM IS CENTRAL TO JUDAISM.

Starting with the binding of Yitzhak (Isaac) on Mount Moriah: the location of Mount Moriah matches precisely the Temple Mount.
Very often, Scriptures are distorted by unbelievers in order to prove that the God of Israel is "cruel", because He prescribed Yitzhak's binding.
Actually Abraham did not lie to Yitzhak when he said : " HaShem will offer Himself the lamb for burnt offering". It is a true statement of faith. HaShem knew. Abraham knew. Yitzhak was not meant to be sacrificed in a bloody offering. The binding of Yitzhak is a symbol of recovery. The ram took his place in the same way Yeshua took our place for the punishment we all deserved. HaShem provided for the sacrifice. In the same way, HaShem also provides in our lives in His immense compassion.

At the beginning of Genesis 22, the Torah uses the expression " eretz Moriah", the land of Moriah. But we truly learn from verse 14 ( below) that this place is a mountain unlike any other: it is the mount where HaShem provides ( some translations render by "the mount where  HaShem is seen").

וַיִּקְרָא אַבְרָהָם שֵׁם-הַמָּקוֹם הַהוּא, יְהוָה יִרְאֶה, אֲשֶׁר יֵאָמֵר הַיּוֹם, בְּהַר יְהוָה יֵרָאֶה

So Abraham called that place "the Lord will provide" as it is said  to this day, "On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided." Genesis 22:14

Not only will the following resource make you understand that the location of Mount Moriah is in Jerusalem, it will also allow you to perceive the obvious connection with our Messiah's crucifixion.

King David's conquest of Yerushalayim

This photo shows the most ancient Jewish Cemetery of Jerusalem

Each time international organizations and some Arab nations step up to deny Jerusalem's Jewish sovereignty, the irony is that archeological findings will prove them to be blatant LIARS.

The Tel Dan inscription  confirms the very historical existence of King David. There is some clear mention of the "House of David" on the stone that was discovered in 1993.

The Book of Samuel and the Book of Chronicles in the Bible provide us with details about King David's conquest of Jerusalem.
While skeptics would always try to contradict biblical stories, archeology confirms many parts of Israel's history and thus, Bible reports. The discovery of 3000 year old mines of King Solomon, for instance, is of capital importance.

It is obvious ( and confirmed by archelogists and scientists) that there is at least a 3000 year old Jewish presence in Jerusalem.

This speaks volumes in regards of the attitude of ignorant and fanatic people who arrogantly deny any Jewish link in Jerusalem, especially on the Temple Mount that used to be the Beth hamikdash, the Temple, where all Israeli Jews went on pilgrimage 3 times a year.

There are several points to understand:

• Jerusalem is CENTRAL to Judaism; it is THE holy site for ALL Jews ( also Messianic Jews). This specific and strong link to Jerusalem only exists in Judaism.
• The soil of Eretz Israel is Jewish people's promised land: no hater will change HaShem's decree.
• ALL replacement theologies, whether they emerge from Christianity or Islam, are CRIMINAL and based on FALSE TEACHINGS.
• A Gentile believer will be grafted into the Alliance of HaShem. If he is not, and if he has no link with Israel, he does not belong to the Messiah of Israel either. Like it or not, this is the very truth.
• Since the ancient times, Israel had to fight for its survival. Anybody who denies Israel its right to self-defense is an enemy of the Lord.
• The Bible, history, archeology and science prove that Israel is Jewish people's heritage. So, if some people base their assumption on one fairy tale of Mohamed ascending to Jerusalem on a horse and zero Quran references about Jerusalem, to steal the Jews their heritage, I'd call these people by the names they deserve; liars and murderers.
• Our Messiah will come back at the Mount of Olives and will bring deliverance to His people. Like it or not, Yeshua is an Israeli Jew, the King of the Jews and a teacher of Torah. 

To the Jewish diaspora, the committment to Yerushalayim always made sense. The expression " next year in Jerusalem" is linked with the Hagada of Pessach and carries a strong meaning of hope and redemption.

Jerusalem, Yerushalayim, is and will remain Israel's eternal Capital, not because men decided so, but HaShem.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling

Hours of light in Yeshua's presence ( from the draft "Figments of Light")

Yeshua is always close ! Be sure of it. There is no special secret to see Him or to get manifestations from our Lord, besides your thirst of Him and the love you are giving Him. For every tiny drop of love, for every sweet whisper from your heart to Yeshua's heart, Yeshua will offer you ten thousand times more !

Just believe and you will see. I'd like to share today's afternoon's story with all of you.

Yeshua knows how to provide for perfect afternoon. He has His genuine, specific know how to reunite all ingredients. Today I went to see a client for some French lessons and I was invited for lunch into a very good restaurant where I savored some delicious vegetarian dish accompanied with fresh made lemon juice and mint leaves. The lady also wanted us to visit Notre Dame church and I did some translations into English for her. We ended our ride in a rickshaw and it was much fun.

I thanked the lady before leaving and I also thanked Yeshua for the beautiful afternoon.

On my way back home, in the metro, as I was pronouncing His Name, Yeshua started talking to me. He said to me : « I am your Lord, your brother and the closest person to your heart. »

I closed my eyes. I had a vision of our Lord. Yeshua's Face was sunburnt and it resembled pretty much the Face of the Shroud. His eyes were filled with deep love as He was looking at me. His dark brown hair had some shiny glances.

The picture I am sharing with you made me realize that this shiny glance I saw in His hair emanated from His person. Yeshua was wearing a white robe.

Know that Yeshua is always close. I mean: know it as a fact!

Speak to Him and show Him love. Yeshua appreciates each tiny drop of love from our little hearts !

I will descend to my scented garden and spend time with my beloved. I belong to the King and the King is mine.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling

WARNING GRAPHIC! Forensic Science Proves Shroud Authentic NEW 2017 Video

One recognizes a tree by its fruit: faith and action. A little commentary on rabbi Yeshua's words.

What really, really makes a true disciple of Yeshua?

Providing a satisfactory answer to the following question may be more complex than one would think at first sight. Of course, the simple fact of claiming to be a disciple doesn't make you a true disciple!

The stating point is your heart (לב), lev in Hebrew. In Hebrew, the heart refers to a wider concept than in Western culture. It is truly the seat of your thoughts, emotions and feelings. Everything proceeds from this very place in Hebrew culture.
So your intent must be good and your thoughts like pure water.

אישׁ טוב מאוצר לבו הטוב מוציא את  הטוב ואישׁ רע מאוצר הרע מוציא רע

"A good man, from the storehouse of his heart, brings forth the good.
The evil man, from the storehouse of evil, brings forth evil" Matthew 12:35 Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels

If we look at Matthew 12:35 and the whole paragraph that englobes Yeshua's thought, we will probably consider that we must mind our words-which is absolutely true. 

Brian Simmons, a pastor based in Panama, offers an interesting translation of Matthew 12:35 to his readers. I discovered it while being in Israel, as his translation of Matthew was available inside of a Messianic shop in Tiberias as a free gift.

"When virtue is stored within the hearts of the good and upright people will produce good fruit. 
But when evil is hidden within, those who are evil will produce evil fruit" (Brian Simmons, Passion translation, Gospel of Matthew) Matthew 12:35

If it is true that all intent proceeds from the heart, we are also meant to trust that Yeshua can and will transform our hearts as we become totally committed to following Him.
This attitude is, of course, intimately linked with faith.
However, how does one notice that our fruits are good?

"By their fruit you will know them. Do they gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles?" Matthew 7:16

Well, the Book of proverbs also states:

Our actions are a second indicator that we are taking the right way. Our daily actions speak for themselves. 
Some people are convinced that their actions will bring them Salvation. This is a TOTAL distortion of Scriptures. I have observed much boasting about "righteous actions" from people who kept defining themselves as "righteous".

One must be aware of the following rule of wisdom. Yeshua is the ONLY Savior. We are, thus, saved by His grace only. None of your actions will ever save you, no matter how hard you will be trying!

On the other hand, if you are a true disciple, you will be committed to applying our rabbi's teachings. As a consequence, your fruits will be good.

How much do you love and value Yeshua? To what extent is your heart committed to following Him?
If you truly love Yeshua, it will be shown in your daily actions. Yes, your actions will speak louder than your lips and your light will shine before others.
Of course, you will make mistakes, but you will always grab enough energy to do our Messiah's will.

Last point to remember:

Boasting about your " righteous actions" is ALSO "bad fruit"!
The true tzaddik doesn't call himself "righteous". He will follow in humbleness and let others appreciate. 
Boasting is OF THE DEVIL, because it is honoring yourself instead of giving glory to the Master.

The true disciple is loving and obedient, and willing to resemble Yeshua in his thoughts and actions. Faith and actions go hand in hand with true discipleship.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling

Psalm 147 in Hebrew

'7 days in Israel, my journey to the Holy Land' is out now

'7 days in Israel, my journey to the Holy Land' is out now

New e-book on amazon kindle!

I am proud to announce my readership that my e-book entitled "7 days in Israel, my journey to the Holy Land" is now available on Amazon kindle. Travel with me virtually and take advantage of some useful tips if you are, like me, planning to travel on your own.

Enjoy and may HaShem bless you all in abundance!

Isabelle

A few more words about biblical evidence regarding the Garden Tomb after my visit to the site

"Yosef took the body and wrapped into a pure linen garment ( sadin tahor in Hebrew). He placed it in a new tomb that was hewn for him into the rock, rolled a large stone, over the entrance, and then left." Matthew 27:59-60 Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels

"There was a garden, and in the garden, a new sepulcre, wherein has never man laid." John 19:41

Visiting the Garden Tomb will impact you greatly if you are a true believer and follower of Yeshua our Messiah. I felt troubled when I penetrated into the Tomb, because  I experienced Yeshua's love to a much greater scale.

Yeshua's Spirit is present in this place, and His peace. Your encounter will resemble Miryam of Magdala's extraordinary encounter with our Risen Lord!

The inside of the Tomb is big enough for several persons to be standing there.

To tell you the truth, stepping inside of the Tomb turned my soul upside down!
We often don't realize how immense our Savior's love is. In this very moment I could only envision our pure Yeshua's suffering and humiliation, and His dead body lying here prior Resurrection.

It was just the two of us. I was looking at Him 2000 years ago, with my spiritual eye.
I thanked Him. My soul was greatly emotionally affected and it took me quite long to be able to smile again.

I felt Yeshua's presence wrapping me in a consoling embrace from all sides, but had I seen a gardener next to me, I too would told him: " They have taken away my Lord and I don't know where they have laid Him."

But when I sat down inside of the Garden, Yeshua's peace would radiate from everywhere and my soul would come to still waters again.

The "skull hill", Golgotha, near the Garden Tomb

Many details corroborate with Scriptures regarding the Garden Tomb

• It is located at Damascus Gate, outside of the City walls
• Crucifixion could only happen outside of the City. There is a place in form of a skull just next to the Garden Tomb
• The Gospels mention Yosef of Arimathea buying a fine linen burial shroud. This Shroud is known as the Shroud of Turin and has been miraculously preserved for 2000 years. Forensic researchers have found some Garden Tomb soil on the Shroud.
• Damascus Gate is also likely to be the place where you could rapidly buy this burial Shroud. People had to be quick, because Shabbat was approaching, and Yeshua needed to be buried before Shabbat (Shabbat is not only Friday evening, it also refers to any other biblical ordained feast and it could have occured any other day of the week)
• The Garden Tomb had been cut into the rock ( and is not an existing cave)
• The site contains a vine press and a water cystern, so we can assume that it belonged to a very rich man

Flower from the Garden Tomb

Stones from the Garden Tomb

Go visit the Garden Tomb and see by yourselves.

May you be filled with Yeshua's infinite peace! Amen.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling

7 days in Israel, my journey to the Holy Land, part 8

Saying goodbye to Tel Aviv: not a goodbye, but a "see you soon"


My last day in Tel Aviv: April the 26th

The beach, near Allenby street

If it wasn't about the huge fatigue inside of my body, I would have traveled till the last day...also, given that my flight was at 9:00 am; I thought that it would be more reasonable to go to sleep early and to chill in Tel Aviv during the day.

So I decided to explore Tel Aviv beach and to grant myself a walk near the sea. I had never been that close to the sea! As a child, my pediatrist had forbidden me holidays near the sea because I was suffering from sinusitis. My first real close-up with the sea was once while crossing the Channel with my kids on a trip from London to Paris, a few years ago, back in 2009.

But the beach in Tel Aviv was different. It allowed me to really approach the water, to glance at the waves. Watching it gave me a sense of eternity.  I touched the sand and collected three little sea shells to remind me of this moment.

Despite the 19°C ( there was a chilly little wind), I could observe some people bathing into the see around 10 am.

After my walk, I became hungry. I really needed to get seated, because I was feeling a little bit weak.

I went to Marcafé, a French enclave that is located at ben Yehuda street. This the perfect place to get some good French food. They also provide you with a library, that is composed of Hebrew, French and English book. The place is quite amazing: I enjoyed a nice tuna salad and some mint tea with leaves inside. 

It restored my body and mind! I spend some time looking at a French/Hebrew book about rabbi Nachman that included a few tales.

My friend Nathalie had just texted me on Facebook messenger that she would come to the place a little bit later, so I kept reading while waiting for her.

We spent a good part of the afternoon with her. We went to a jewellery where I bought myself a little silver "magen David". The good thing in Tel Aviv is that many shops offer discounts. I benefitted from a 30% discount.

I also visited a souvenir shop held by an old man from Georgia, Russia who was close to retirement.

I acquired a few souvenirs for my family at a very cheap price.

We conversed in Hebrew. I explained that this was my first trip to Eretz Israel. I expressed my love for Jewish culture and Jewish people. Before I left, the old man hugged me and said that I was a " neshama tova", a "good soul".

I rested a bit at the hotel and spent a little bit time in the streets of Tel Aviv.

rabbi Nachman slogan in Tel Aviv

Oh, it really felt hard to leave Tel Aviv and Eretz Israel!
I would have wished for time to hold on in this moment.
I few days earlier, I had called Louis, a French speaking Israeli taxi driver for the ride from the hotel to Ben Gurion airport, terminal 3. Nathalie had given me his phone number. Tomorrow morning I would meet him at 6:00.


Back to Paris-Departing from Tel Aviv

4:45 am: I am up and on the way to th shower.
Being clothed now, I am asking our Lord to bless my return flight. I am taking a light breakfast, I am brushing my teeth and after combing my hair, I verify that everything has been packed into my luggage.
It is now 5:45. I am going downstairs. I am saying goodbye to the receptionist who says: "HaShem bless you" to me. He wishes me a safe journey back.

I am now waiting for Louis outside of the hotel. Tel Aviv is waking up.

Louis is just on time. We are having a nice conversion in French on the way to the airport ( On a side note, I warmly recommend you " Louis taxi francophone en Israel", because he is very nice and provides you with a good professional service.

Half an hour later I am at Ben Gurion airport.

At first I am meeting the person from the Israeli office of tourism to give him the phone that he lent me during my stay. I am receiving a $ 42.00 voucher for informing him about my traveling plan. I will use it later at the duty free zone, just before boarding into the plane. 

I am going through several security check-in points again. I am getting nice perfumes for my voucher.

On the plane, I am speaking with three nice Israelis. At the end of the trip, some French speaking lady joins the conversation.

Around 1 hour pm we are landing in Paris. End of the journey. I am catching a bus at Roissy Charles de Gaulle that will leave me at Trocadero. From Trocadero I am walking home.

I'd like to thank our Lord for allowing me to make this wonderful trip to the Holy Land. 
I thank Him from the bottom of my heart.
I love Israel and its inhabitants. I know that I will come back asap, HaShem willing!

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling

7 days in Israel, my journey to the Holy Land, part 7

"nachim", "women"-you can see a man praying on the other side

April the 25th

Second trip to Tiberias

Visiting rabbi Akiva's tomb and back to the Sea of Galilee

This time, there is no choice left, but returning to the Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv. But this time I know how to reach floor 7, platform 2 and also that I will be taking Egged bus 836. My timing is perfect. The bus to Tiberias will depart at 7:42 am. Some Nigerian lady is engaging a conversation with me in English. Apparently she settled to Israel with her whole family for a year. We are traveling together to Tiberias.
Traveling for the second time feels much better; I am more familiar now with the route and the places. We are entering into Tiberias and I notice a shield in Hebrew and in English mentioning the direction to rabbi Akiva's tomb. I am asking the bus driver to leave me here. He kindly accepts my request. 
A lot of people are advising me to take another bus to reach my destination, but, as the good walker I am, I decide to take the ride on foot. It takes me around 40 minutes. The location of rabbi Akiva's tomb is quite high. The landscapes, houses and buildings are really beautiful and the temperature is just perfect: 30°C. 30°C in Galilee is much more bearable than the equivalent temperature in Paris, because there is always a slight wind to soothe the sensation of heat.
I am admiring the landscape. It is easy to imagine rabbi Yeshua walking here...

I am reaching a "gan yeladim", a kindergarten. Some person is there for vegetables delivery: I am asking him for directions in Hebrew: " ani rotsa lalechet lekever rabbi Akiva", "I'd like to go to rabbi Akiva's tomb"..." ze karov", he answers, it is near, as he is pointing towards the place. A few stairs to descend, and here I am, to one of the holy places of Judaism.

lady leaning on rabbi Akiva's tomb and praying

Rabbi Akiva is a very much respected rabbi from the 1st century who is considered as the "chief of sages". He became a martyr because of his faith. Many people in Israel honor his memory and I consider that coming to this place was mandatory for me as well.
The memorial of rabbi Akiva is divided in two sides ( men and women). I accessed the women section and also had access to a library containing the Tehilim and other writings in Hebrew.


I remember seeing a writing about the way of the wicked and way of   the tzaddik as i opened a book in the other room.

Some old lady addressed to me in Hebrew, but I apologized, because I didn't understand what she was telling me. I told her that my Hebrew was limited. "Ze besseder", it is ok, she answered with a smile.

I experienced much kindness in this place.

At the end of my visit, i waited for bus Nr 6 to take me back to Kinneret. At the bus stop, I had a small conversation in Hebrew with a lady of Russian origin. While being inside the bus, I realized that I had reached some heights. The panoramic view of Tiberias was just splendid. Something very pure emanates from this city.

It took a little bit of this area with me some pine, some flower and a tree leaf, because I want to carry a little bit of Galilee with me every day in Paris. Here I recognize the post office that is close to the Sea of Galilee, so I am ready to step out.

Kinneret is welcoming me back again. I want to breathe that air and touch this water again. 

I am taking time to visit places I didn't see last time, like this Scottish St Andrew church. The building is abandoned, but the garden inside seems to be regularly be taken care of.

I have also seen an orthodox church and a "St Peter church" in the same area.

greek orthodox church in Tiberias

There is a huge commercial area along Kinneret. They are selling cards, clothes and food. I had the curiosity to explore upstairs and, to my greatest surprise, I found a huge Messianic shop with quantities of books, Bibles, Jewels, cards, Shofars, menorahs...and the testimony of a Jewish believer in Yeshua our Messiah. I exchanged a few words with her.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take some pictures. There were free gifts. I took two books, one in English and one in Hebrew. The first one is a translation of Matthew from the Aramaic and the second one in Hebrew recalls the story of some Messianic Jews...it is completely in Hebrew ( without vowels) and I will have to make some real progress to be able to read it completely!

The third free gift I took from there is a blessing: the Aaronic blessing and Our Father written in Hebrew.

I was feeling hungry, so I stopped at a small restaurant to order some falafel with vegetables and some fresh apple juice.

Between the Sea of Galilee and me, it is a never ending love story. It is endless like Yeshua's beautiful heart.  I am deciding to explore more of the lake.

Here I am, exploring another side of Kinneret! I also decide to collect some more stones. One of the stones I am holding into my hands is reddish-brown and is shaped as a heart...another wink from my beloved rabbi Yeshua!

A lot of families are enjoying the sight of the lake, and my heart is happy. I want to praise our Lord for all the gift He offered me on that day. He made me part of the Galilean landscape!

My mouth shall be full of praise for our beautiful Lord.
I am so grateful that my eyes have been granted to see Galilee on three occurences.

This beautiful memory will be engraved into my heart, eternally.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling