In only a few short days I will leave on a journey to visit the Holy Land...again. There is excitement in the anticipation, yet a bit different than the first time. On the first trip I traveled with my bishop and a large group of clergy colleagues and their spouses. This time I am the tour host leading a couple from my congregation. The first time I traveled with my beautiful wife; this time she stays at home. The last time we traveled without our children. My oldest daughter joins me for this trip. (Other children will get their turn in years to come.)
My first visit to Israel came with no preconceived notions of what the experience would be like, other than the expectation that it would be overwhelming. That certainly was fulfilled.
Now as I review daily itineraries I consider how to glean more from the experience. My desire is to connect more of the pieces of the people, places and events of the biblical text. Further, I want to become more familiar with the people and issues of Israel and Palestine today. My conviction is that both of these goals will help me to be a better teacher in the ministry of Christ's church.
One would find it difficult to escape the feeling of tourism that comes with a visit to Israel, as the holy sites and marketplaces are in abundance. Yes, we are touring the lands and sites of the Bible, even as they are found in their 21st century state. Our purpose, though, is to learn, the kind of learning that produces more passionate disciples of Jesus Christ. Pray for the learning of our group, that this would be a holy experience that brings life transformation.
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