Day 10: The Road Home

What will you remember about Israel? We’ve traveled some fantastic roads in the last 10 days.

Which experience has been your favorite?

            Strolling along the Caesarean aqueduct at the Mediterranean? . . . 

            Meandering through the ruins of Megiddo . . .   

            Marveling at the view from Mt. Arbel . . .

            Cruising across the Sea of Galilee . . .

            Trekking to that incredible cave at Caesarea Phillipi . . .

            Walking the nature trails at Dan . . .

            Picking up your rock along the Wadi Qelt . . .

            Hiking those hot ruins of Qumran . . .

            Floating on top of the Dead Sea . . .

            Wandering down the Via Dolorosa . . .

            Creeping through the Western tunnels . . .

            Praying at the Western Wall smoothed by centuries of petitioning hands . . .

            Meditating in the serenity of the Garden Tomb . . .

                        or the million memories of Jerusalem captured on the Old City streets?

But as wonderful as Israel is, it is at best only a shadow of a greater glory, an echo of a truer sound, a silhouette of the Eternal. With eyes of faith, Israel pictures for us God’s hand in history.

What will you remember about Israel?

In the quietness of the long flight home, reflect on the significance of what you have experienced. Without the shadow of God’s plan, all the sites we’ve seen are merely lakes, buildings, and old stones piled one on top of the other. But with the perspective of eternity, they become worthy of remembrance. Consider how God touched your heart through these scenes.

What do you want to remember? A special place? A significant verse? The thrill you felt when a scene clarified a passage from God’s Word?

Most importantly, how has the life, death, and resurrection of your Lord Jesus become more precious to you? This, after all, is the whole point of visiting Israel. Your answer should be neither quick nor brief. Take the rest of your life to ponder it.

As you unpack your bags and show your pictures and souvenirs, what will you remember about Him?

May nothing be more precious to you than Jesus.

Today’s Memory Maker:

·        Spend a quiet time of prayer at a place overlooking the City of Jerusalem. (Read Psalm 122.)

·       Write a short note in your Bible of how God has increased your understanding of His Word and purposes through your time in His Land of Promise.