Now more than ever folks are making their way to Israel. Matter fact, Jerusalem was recently named in The Top 50 Cities you must see in your lifetime. I know for me it was true.
I have wanted to go to Israel for a very long time. I can remember as a young teen, my adult church choir went to Israel and sang on Christmas Eve…
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
As they described the feeling of worshipping in Bethlehem square a risen Savior who was born in a manager just feet from where they were standing, I remember thinking ‘one day' I'll go to Israel. I will experience this unbelievable joy I saw on their faces to have actually walked where Jesus walked here on this Earth.
I got to experience this incredible trip a year ago. And it was EVERYTHING I had anticipated. The Christian Pilgrimage is real. There is something that stirs in your heart as you pass through the Damascus gate into the Old City of Jerusalem. You see the sign that reads Via Delorosa…and know your Savior walked this dusty road to be crucified for you. You trace the actual path Jesus walked the night of his crucifixion and see where they laid his body. It becomes real – you vividly begin to see the story of salvation unfold before you.
One of my favorite experiences was riding in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. We had been up on the mount where Jesus taught the Beatitudes, and we drove down to the sea. It did not seem windy as we boarded the old wooden boat, but as we crossed the sea, the wind began to blow…it was strong. They say that due to geological features on either side of the Sea of Galilee, sudden and severe storms occur regularly on its water…and I believe it! Our boat was tossed a little from side to side as we sang and worshipped Jesus as we sailed.
I could only imagine the disciples hunkering down and being afraid. But then to hear the words, 'Peace Be Still' and know that a calm to the storm came immediately...or what about Peter, jumping out of the boat to walk on this water? It was also on this shore where Jesus fed the 5,000 with 5 loaves and two fishes. And this is where Jesus appeared before his ascension and ate breakfast with seven of his disciples -- and restored Peter for denying Him. These Bible Stories flooded my memory, and the awe and joy that filled my soul were overwhelming.
I could tell you story after story of the sites where we stood, and I experienced God day after day. Believe me when I say, you come home changed…and will never read scripture the same again. Walking through the Holy Land, seeing for yourself the place where God came near…it restores your soul and renews your faith.
If you are looking to tour Israel, I would be honored to plan your trip.