One of the most profound spiritual experiences one can have is to visit the dungeon that appears in the photographs above. It is located underneath a house that belonged to Caiaphas. It has an eerie, yet divine natural rock feature that reflects the face of a man. A powerful spiritual presence rests in this confined cavity.

Jesus was lowered by a rope into this dark pit on the night He was arrested. He remained isolated in this cave until sunrise, after which He was taken to Pilate and ultimately to His death.

Psalm 88 is left open on the small pulpit as a reminder of the words that Jesus quoted that night. The cold and barren boulders would have offered no respite or sleep to Jesus. Instead, He endured terrifying thoughts of His upcoming torture. Even these despairing conditions and the abandonment of His friends, could not quell his commitment to lay down His life for us. His resolute love for you, for me, lingered with Him in the hours that He spent tormented in this dungeon. 

Oftentimes as Christians, we may feel like we are in a dungeon of uncertainty, or that we are at the end of our rope. But hear this, Jesus is the rope that rescues us! Just as the circumstances of life can lower us into sadness, so the truth of Jesus can lift us up again! Where do we find this redeeming truth? In the healing Words of Scripture.  

We extend our thanks this week to Scott Bell, Chairman of our Church Council, for his diligent and ongoing work that keeps our church safe yet moving forward! Thank you Scott for all you do for the council and the congregation! We are so grateful.

Open your heart this week to Jesus your Rescuer - He LOVES you! 

Your friend,