Sometimes the most significant things in life sneak up on us.
My first trip to Israel was one surprising moment after the other. I joined a tour that was already planned and headed to Israel. The fund were provided for me to go, so I packed up and went, not sure of what to expect. Sure, I had studied the Bible before — even memorized hundreds of site names and locations throughout the land of Israel — but I never imagined my life would be changed so dramatically.
As our bus pulled up to each site, I began see the hand of God in a way I never had before. As we studied the Bible stories in the places they happened, a gained a new level of biblical understanding and my relationship with God was impacted forever.
There is something unexplainable about this land. Even if we wrote volumes about Israel, it isn’t until you see it for yourself that you can appreciate just how special this small country is to God’s story. I have a firm belief that God has preserved this land, not just for a place to fulfill future prophecy, but to bring His children on earth into a closer relationship with Himself. Just as any good preacher will use sermon props or stories, so God uses the land of Israel as a visual aid to bring to life the lessons of the past and the applications for the present.
As I enter Israel today, I can’t think of a better way for you to spend your time and money than to study Israel and to see this amazing place for yourself. While it is always good to learn and become educated, gaining greater head knowledge cannot be the mere purpose of studying or visiting Israel. This land stands as a monument to a living God. We don’t worship the monument, we worship the living God! Israel should bring you closer to Him rather than cause you to be distracted by fascinating findings, significant rocks or sacred site. Whether you are a minister or a mechanic, a mom or a medical expert, the call to know God is woven throughout the fabric of our life. Israel has an open invitation for all to come and grow closer with God and bear witness to His goodness through all generations (Psalm 100:5).
Today I have a bus load of people with me as we enter this splendid place. If you have not considered going, I beg you to begin considering it now. No matter how old or how young you are, there is a great necessity for every believer to study their Bible from this land. Of all the places in the world that God could have chosen to send His Son to live, He chose this place. Why wouldn’t you want to see and experience it for yourself? Some people say it is too far, not safe or too expensive. I am telling you, when you value the Word of God as the foundation of your life and Christ as the center of your existence, there is nothing that should stand in your way of finding ways to fall more in love with Him. Find a way to get here, it is worth it!
I lead tours every year to this place, so come with me sometime! Email me if you are interested. In the meantime, pick up a copy of my book “He Walked with Us” and find out why these ancient sites are valuable to us today.
