Page 19 - Holyland Magazine - 2016 Edition
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Rev. Carroll at Capernaum Cishrauerclthouorfistmhe’sHpohloytSoesptruelcahmre. Photo: Flickr Rev. Bill Owens at the Mount of Beatitudes
moment the orthodox are actually plotting Being there and seeing but a few of the the site of Jesus’ first miracle. Jerusalem is
and planning to destroy him as a dangerous remains of those temples and realizing that certainly moving for all who pass through its
heretic. this is where Jesus asked that question gates. Many walk the Via Dolorosa, visit the
is powerful beyond words. This is just an Church of the Holy Sepulchre and pray in the
He stands in an area littered with the temples example of how being in the very places Garden Tomb. In all of these places, the Bible
of the Syrian gods; in a place where the ancient where Jesus walked draws us into those comes alive to us.
Greek gods looked down; in a place where the very moments of his ministry in a new and
history of Israel crowded in upon the minds powerful way. We say it transforms the Bible Not all we encounter is thousands of years
of men; where the white marble splendor of from black and white to color and into 3D. old. Israel is one of the most modern and
the home of Caesar--worship dominated the progressive countries in the world. This tiny
landscape and compelled the eye. Harry’s story explains one experience of how country is a world leader in medical science.
throughout Israel we draw upon scriptures They have transformed deserts into farms,
And there--of all places--this amazing to add meaning to each site we visit. Not vineyards and citrus groves, growing organic
carpenter stands and asks men who they only does that occur in a powerful way at fruits and vegetables to a point where Israel
believe him to be, and expects the answer, the moment of visiting those sites but also it is a major exporter of food. You can stay
The Son of God. It is as if Jesus deliberately will occur for the rest of our lives. Every time in modern hotels and travel on modern
set himself against the background of the we study scripture at home, hear sermons or highways and railway systems. It is certainly a
world’s religions in all their history and their reflect on our faith, we will think back to the land of contrasts: ancient and modern.
splendor, and demanded to be compared experience of visiting the Holy Land.
with them and to have the verdict given in Maybe when you visit Israel, you will find your
his favor. There are few scenes where Jesus’ Of course, our feelings about a place have special place, the place that will become your
consciousness of his own divinity shines out a lot to do with our experiences there and favorite. Or perhaps, like me, you won’t be able
with a more dazzling light.” how we connect. For some, it comes from a select just one site over the others. Whether
boat trip on the Sea of Galilee or baptism in you can name one place or not, one thing is for
the Jordan River. Others connect with Cana, sure – your visit will be life changing.
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