Page 22 - Holyland Magazine - 2022 Edition

The Garden Tomb Yardenit Baptismal site Visiting the Dead Sea

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

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