israel: journey of a lifetime

What a joy it was to visit the Holy Land! I will cherish the memories for the rest of my life. After ten days of flying planes, walking historic streets, riding interesting animals, and eating wonderful food, it feels good to be back home.

Israel is everything people say it is—and so much more. Truly it is a land of promise. As I saw the fertile fields and farmlands, all situated in the middle of a barren desert, I could not help but consider God’s blessing on this nation. Israel’s very existence is evidence of the accuracy of God’s Word. In Jeremiah 30:3, the Lord said, “For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.”

God is faithful. But His faithfulness is not dependent upon our performance. God often blesses us in spite of our poor performance. For over 2,000 years, many of the people of Israel have lived in unbelief and have refused to accept Christ as the promised Messiah.

And yet salvation is only through Jesus Christ. The Scripture says in Acts 4:12, “There is none other name under the heavens given among men, whereby we must be saved.” There is great joy in God’s Word for all of us. Whether we be Jew or Gentile, we find encouragement, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” What a great Word from the Lord!

Looking back over Israel’s history in the Old Testament reveals that God would have done so much more if they had only trusted and obeyed Him. The same is true in our lives. Can you imagine what God could do in your family, on your job, or in your church if you would take Him at His Word?

My greatest fear is that when I stand before God, He will tell me how much more He wanted to do in my life. I want Him to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Over the course of our trip, we visited many remarkable sites. But the greatest in my opinion was Golgotha and the Garden Tomb. Over the years there have been great discussion regarding the exact location. And we may always have a difference of opinion regarding the exact location for events in history. However, I believe that being in the Holy Land is still the place where it all happened. I like the words of our guide who was a retired Baptist preacher from the United States. I’ll never forget his words: “I believe Jesus Christ was crucified near here, I believe He was buried near here, and I believe He rose near here. Can I say with certainty that this was the place? No. But I know He was crucified. He was buried. And He did raise from the dead, guaranteeing my eternal life. The place is not important. – It’s all about the Person.”

So what makes a Holy Land visit a life-changing experience? It’s not the awe of walking in Christ’s footsteps. It’s not the breathtaking scenery. Nor is it the zeal with which the people worship. The Person of Jesus Christ makes all the difference.

Though you may never get on a plane and fly halfway around the world to visit Israel, you can experience Jesus Christ—locally. His presence makes you a living testament of His amazing grace and great faithfulness.

-Written by Cameron Edwards