A few years ago, Kim and I had the privilege of traveling to Israel as part of a tour group, visiting the towns, cities, lakes, mountains, rivers, and other sites where important events from the Bible took place. We literally walked on the same streets where Jesus walked.
We visited the Sea of Galilee, the Garden of Gethsemane, the temple mount, En Gedi, Jericho and more. I even had the honor of helping to baptize some friends in the Jordan River, the same river that Jesus was baptized in.
That trip really brought the Bible alive in 3-D for me. I can’t read the Bible the same way anymore. And that’s a good thing. The locations, sounds, food, and people of the Middle East are always on my mind when I read stories from the Bible.
The trip also gave me a real heart for the people of the Middle East to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. He is the only one that can stop the endless fighting between the Palestinians and Israelis, and between any groups that are fighting in that part of the world.
Recent events of more fighting in the Gaza Strip compel me to pray even more for the salvation of the men, women, boys and girls who live in that part of the world. I pray that the Christ-followers of the Middle East will be witnesses for Christ, and that the churches will reach out in love to serve others and share the gospel of Christ with them.
Psalms 122:6 (HCSB)
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper;
Isaiah 9:6-7 (HCSB)
6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.
John 14:27 (HCSB)
27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.” — Jesus
John 3:16-18 (HCSB)
16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.
Two things:
1. Will you join me in praying for the salvation of the people of the Middle East?
2. If you are searching for salvation and peace in your personal life, will take a moment to read The Story? If you are trying to make sense of all of the fighting throughout the world, The Story helps to answer that too. Click HERE to read the story of how it all began, and how it will never end.
When you go to Israel it becomes your own in a way unlike any other place. It fills a special place in your heart, maybe because our Lord loved it so much and His spirit inside of us binds us to those dusty roads and blue/green water. I am joining you in praying for these people and for peace.
Yes, I wish that every believer in Christ would have the opportunity to visit Israel at least once in their life. It is a trip worth the investment.