Abu Ghosh
Abu Ghosh is a bustling, picturesque town located seven miles from Jerusalem, north of the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway. Its current claim to fame is that it is the location of several wonderful Middle-Eastern restaurants, Golan-Globus world headquarters and the Elvis gas station.
You would not believe this gas station. It is an interesting stop. The parking lot has two huge statutes of Elvis. Inside the restaurant is one of the largest Elvis collections outside of Graceland. Elvis sings from the speakers night and day.
About now, you’re saying what is this about. You see, Abu Ghosh in Old Testament times was called Qiryat Yearim. It is mentioned frequently in the Old Testament. This was the place where the Ark of the Covenant resided for 20 years (1 Sam 6-7) during the time of Samuel. David brought the Ark of the Covenant from Qiryat Yearim to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6). The Crusaders identified Abu Ghosh as the town of Emmaus mentioned in Luke 24:13-35 where the Risen Christ met two of his disciples.
Abu Ghosh is a beautiful little town without any pretense. One would be ill served in passing this small town to think nothing of it. This is not unlike each one of us. Few of us are called to greatness. Fewer still are even physically fit. But, our claim to greatness is not what we have done but what has been done inside of us. We have recognized our sin and given our hearts to Jesus. The Holy Spirit resides inside of us and is outfitting us for our eternal residence. Now we are weak, clinging desperately by faith to our journey with the Lord. Behind the scenes, in the spiritual realm, our name has been added to the Book of Life and we are in an eternal relationship with the Lord. I am a little person filled with a great God.