Recently, a group of Hoosiers traveled to the Holy Land and walked in the footsteps of Jesus. This was something I had always wanted to do but had never taken the opportunity. It turned out to be one of the most spiritually enriching times of my life.
We visited the place of Christ’s birth, the locations of his ministry and the places of his death, his resurrection and ascension. We saw where Elijah faced down the prophets of Baal. We witnessed where Peter confessed that Christ was the son of the Living God. We sailed on a wooden boat on the Sea of Galilee and floated in the Dead Sea. We prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. We visited Caesarea Maritima, the place where Paul was held in a pit awaiting his appeal to Caesar. We stood atop Tel Megiddo and beheld the Valley of Armageddon. We experienced the Biblical sites of Nazareth, Cana of Galilee, Magdala, Tagbha, Beit Shean and saw the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found!
My faith and Biblical knowledge were enhanced in transformative ways. This trip added the sights, smells, tastes, colors and feeling to the words of Scripture. Names of places and events in the Bible transfigured from imagination to real images. The places and events read about seemed like a world away, but in Israel they were brought more to life. Perhaps this is the most impactful reminder a trip to Israel can bring for a follower of Jesus Christ.
You know, I have more days of ministry in the rear view mirror than in front of me, and a big regret is that I have not experienced the Holy Land until now. It would have made a huge difference in the way I taught the Scripture. I would encourage everyone to visit Israel who have the opportunity. The country has never been more accessible, and our group felt safe the entire time. A trip to Israel provides the experience to stop and marvel at the majesty of God as you travel the land of the Bible.
SCBI wants to give you the opportunity to experience the Holy Land for yourself. We have organized a 10-day inspirational tour where we will experience the best of Israel. The dates are February 9-18, 2021, so there is plenty of time to prepare. We would love to put some information in your hands!