Friday, April 13, 2012
The Garden Tomb was discovered by a British Army Officer, Major-General Charles Gordon in 1883. Gordon was looking at a rocky hillside on the northwest part of Jerusalem that resembled a skull. Since the word “Golgotha” can be translated skull, Gordon wondered if it might be site of biblical Golgotha. His interest in this spot was heightened when he discovered an ancient cemetery very close to this hillside. In this ancient cemetery they uncovered a tomb that would have been owned by someone very prominent. After further excavation, he discovered that this tomb was in a garden. He wondered, “Could this be the spot of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ?” Although no one can prove it, much of what he discovered backs up the biblical record of Jesus’ resurrection.
As a result of Major-General Gordon’s discovery, the Garden
was cleaned up and opened up to visitors. People have been coming to the Garden
tomb from all over the world for more than 100 years. Today, it’s known as
Gordon’s Calvary.
Over the years there have been many caretakers of the Garden
Tomb. One of those was Solomon Mattar.
Solomon Mattar was a Christian of Arab ancestry. He was a dedicated
follower of Jesus Christ and a wonderful caretaker of this sacred spot. He
passionately believed in the authenticity of the tomb. Christian leaders would
visit from all over the world to visit the tomb and Mr. Mattar would give personal
tours. Because of this, he became a friend to many of these leaders.
In June of 1967, the Six Day War broke out. Some of the most
intense fighting took place all around this quiet garden. Gordon’s Calvary
became the last ditch stand for the Jordanian army. Mr. and Mrs. Mattar were
trapped in the crossfire. Where could
they go for safety? Their house wasn’t safe.
Their neighborhood wasn’t safe. They decided to find refuge in the empty
tomb. The thick walls provided a safe shelter.
As long as they were in the tomb they were safe. Unfortunately Mr.
Mattar left the tomb to go to the house to get some food and water, and he was
hit by a bullet and killed. Mrs. Mattar stayed in the tomb and was safe until
the firing stopped.
How interesting that the empty tomb of Jesus became a
refuge! What was true for Mrs. Mattar is true for us today. The empty tomb of
Jesus, His resurrection becomes our place of refuge. We are safe and secure in
His finished work.
“The Lord will rescue me from
every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To Him be
the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
2 Timothy 4:18
“Be my rock of refuge, to which I
can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my
fortress.” Psalm 71:3
Post a Comment