As I was tidying up my desk today I found a stone tucked in behind the lamp. I picked it up, held it in my hands and recalled instantly its source.

During an amazing trip to Israel with some members of Amberlea, we found ourselves at the ancient temple steps in Jerusalem.

Our guide Aharon was phenomenal. He not only gave us the historical account of each place we visited but he was able to give us the biblical reference as well. His ability to provide context breathed new life and meaning into the scriptures.

During our many days with him he would say, “Jesus would likely have been here.” Or “Jesus may have walked here”, or “there is a high probability that…”, but on this day, at the temple steps, it was different.

As we sat on the steps listening attentively to our history lesson, Aharon said, “Look behind you. See that door? That was the only way into the temple. See that door just to the left? That was the only way out of the temple.” He paused briefly and said, emphatically, “Jesus walked on these steps.”

No doubt at all. No likely, may have or probably.

“Jesus walked on these steps.”

His words rushed through me like electricity and I found myself wanting not just my butt and feet on the steps but my entire body. “Jesus walked on these steps!”

I am sure there is a picture of me somewhere lying on the steps, soaking in the warmth of the sun and the magnitude of that moment, with the words, “Jesus walked on these steps,” repeating in my head.

The picture above are the hands of, my little family, Brian, Emily, Tyler and me. Our hands touching the steps that were walked upon by our Lord, Jesus. Jesus, who loves me so much. It was there that I found a loose stone and discreetly placed it in my pocket.

Today, doing a simple chore of cleaning my desk, brought to my mind a precious memory and an awesome truth.

I pray that today as you go about your day, doing life as you normally would, that you would be reminded that you too are loved by an amazing God.

Join us this Sunday as we begin a new sermon series entitled, Called.