Reflections from Israel

I have just returned after spending 12 days in the land of Israel.  I had the privilege of helping to give leadership to a group of teenagers and parents from our church.  These teens had successfully completed a four-year course of Bible study.  There were 28 in our tour group. 


Our group had a wonderful time while in Israel.  The days were hot - near triple digits almost every day.  So, needless to say, we drank gallons of water and slathered on lots of sunscreen.  One of the highlights for our group was the morning we spent at an archaeological dig at Marasha which is located southwest of Jerusalem.  We entered a couple of small caves, grabbed our little picks and spatulas, along with some empty buckets, and went in search of evidence of ancient life.  We did find many pieces of broken pottery, some small pieces of ancient glass, a few small bones, and even an olive pit or two.  But one of our teens hit the jackpot.  Just before we left, he unearthed a beautiful clay jar that was still in one piece.  We stood amazed to think that no one had seen this beautiful jar for over 1700 years.  As a result of that morning's work, we all came to better appreciate the painstaking work of an archaeologist. 


Another highlight was the morning we walked upon the Temple Mount.  The Muslim Waqf keeps a tight control of who can be on the Temple Mount.  They restrict what you can take upon the Mount.  No Scripture readings are allowed and no prayers are permitted.  Wherever we went while on the Temple Mount, there was someone listening in.  The Temple Mount is huge in size, covering over 26 acres, which makes it somewhat overwhelming.  We all felt a different emotion while on the Temple Mount.  It was almost as if an oppressive spirit were present there.  Perhaps it is no different than the oppressive spirit present upon this same place during the days of Jesus as the Pharisees and other religious leaders ruled the attitudes and actions upon the Temple Mount with a restrictive force.  There was little joy experienced there.  I think we were all relieved to walk across the Mount and enter into the beautiful sanctuary of the Church of St. Anne where we joined in singing "How Great Thou Art."  What a wonderful place to make beautiful music.


Taking a ride upon the Sea of Galilee on a beautiful morning is always a highpoint.  The skies were clear.  The breeze was enjoyable.  The boat we were on is the only one operated by a Christian captain - Danny.  As worship music quietly played in the background we sailed those ancient waters pointing out place after place where the stories of Jesus played out.  How those waters became an integral part of His ministry life - from Migdal to the slopes of the Mount of Beatitudes to Capernaum to Bethsaida to Kurzi which is on the "other side."  I think one could easily spend hours just sitting on the Sea reflecting upon the Gospel accounts.


Finally, Jerusalem continues to be a city that fascinates.  It is the meeting place of the ancient and the modern.  If only its ancient stones could talk, what stories would be shared.  I am continually impressed with the excavations being done in the City of David.  The archaeologists have hit upon a treasure-trove of important artifacts that are revealing the magnificence of David's capitol city. 


So, have I whetted your interest in going to Israel?  I would like to announce that I will be leading a tour to Israel next Spring.  The dates are April 20-May 4, 2018.  On Tuesday evening, July 11, there will be an informational meeting here at Buffalo Covenant Church for all interested in knowing a little bit more about the tour.  This meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. Space is limited to 35 and should fill quickly.  But I would love to have you join me in the Holy Land.  It definitely is the tour of a lifetime that will change the way to read and understand the Bible.


Now, just a few thoughts about what is happening in our world.  While we were in Israel, just moments after we had left an overlook of the Syrian border, Syrian mortar fire was received by Israel.  We heard what sounded like small bombs, little knowing what had happened.  Israeli planes quickly retaliated.  But it was another reminder that Syria is a nation at war.  The Middle East never rests in peace and, if my understanding the Scriptures is correct, it will not know peace until Jesus Christ returns. 


Yesterday the North Koreans launched their first ICBM missile.  With a known production of a nuclear warhead, the North Koreans now seem to have the capability of reaching almost any place they would desire.  The South Koreans and Japanese governments are on high alert with this perceived threat.  The question is: Is this just a perceived threat or a real threat?  Would the North Koreans jeopardize their own existence by launching a nuclear strike at Seoul or Tokyo or even Alaska?  Jesus' statement that in the last days there would be wars and rumors of war is becoming a reality. 


Before I close I would like to extend another invitation to those living within the Greater Twin Cities area.  On Thursday evening, July 13, we have the privilege of hosting Rabbi Baruch, a leading biblical teacher and scholar from Israel.  Rabbi Baruch continues to instruct people around the world through his video teaching ministry, as well as the classes he conducts in Israel.  Many in the Twin Cities have heard him before.  You know you will not be disappointed.  Rabbi Baruch will be sharing in two teaching sessions that evening, the first beginning at 7:00 with the second to follow around 8:00.  I invite you to come and hear God open His Word through this amazing teacher of the Word.  Our address is: 1601 Highway 25 North, Buffalo, MN 55313. 


Friends, keep on praying for the "peace of Jerusalem."  Keep on praying that God will reveal Himself to us more powerfully in these closing days of the age.  And keep looking up because our redemption draws nigh.