Have you ever had one of those experiences that is hard to put into words? That is the case with my recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Maybe if I had several pages it might help, but for a blog entry it becomes even more difficult. As I try and find the essence of what I experienced those 10 days, it might be this: In all I saw and felt, there was a reaffirmation of my faith – a reminder of the reality of God’s blessing and Christ’s presence. I’m not sure anything was added to whatever it is that makes up my faith, but it was strengthened and renewed. So much of the work of God’s hand has seemed to have focused on this little piece of land, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
It is hard to pick a special moment or place, because there were so many, but my favorite passage of scripture is Matthew 14:22-33. One of the days we took a boat out onto the Sea of Galilee. Being out there, where that took place, and being able to see from Capernaum to Tiberius, where so much of Jesus ministry happened, was very moving for me.
Some have asked me if this experience has made the bible come alive for me. The answer is yes, but even more it has made Christ, and his work in the world seem closer. And that is a great gift.
Here are just few pictures of some of the sights.
The Sea of Galilee
The Synagogue in Capernaum where Jesus preached
The Tomb of Christ in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
The Old City of Jerusalem looking towards the Temple Mount
The Western Wall
Looking at the Dead Sea (and Jordan in the background) from Masada
A doorway in the Old City of Jerusalem
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