October 25, 2011
by Derrick G. Jeter
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Israel is like no other place on earth.
To an aged wanderer, it was the Land of Promise: “To your descendants I will give this land” (Genesis 12:7). It was the land of a proud man who limped away with a new name after his encounter with God: “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God” (Genesis 32:28). To a group of spies, it was the land flowing “with milk and honey” (Numbers 13:27). It was the land of a rugged man in the wilderness crying out, “Make ready the way of the Lord” (Matthew 3:3).
It was the land of a gentle Man brutally broken for the sins of humanity who prayed, “Father, forgive them,” and sighed, “It is finished!” (Luke 23:34; John 19:30). Israel—the land to which Jesus will return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and from which He will rule triumphantly (Revelation 19:16–21:6).
It is a land that will enrich your understanding of the Bible and increase your faith. John Hilber, associate professor of Old Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, experienced such a privilege on Insight for Living’s Israel tour.
The Bible is about the living God breaking into the world of real people in a real land. My wife and I experienced the truth of this in a fresh and life-changing way. The concrete reality of the Bible’s message, brought to contemporary life through Chuck’s preaching, was a powerful experience that not only deepened our faith but remains a treasured memory we share
In Israel, the words of the Bible become animated—they breathe and pulsate with life. One passenger on Insight for Living’s tour commented:
One thing that stands out is the beautiful historical setting where the words of Scripture came alive. One moving occasion was when Chuck preached on the Sea of Galilee with all of us gathered on a boat to hear him. After the message, we dropped a rock representing our burdens and hurts into the sea and concluded by silently contemplating our Lord’s grace.
Israel, a land rich in tradition and history. Rugged, and yet beautiful. The place of our Savior’s birth, death, and resurrection. And the land of His future glorious reign! Tour guide Amir Tsarfati invites you to “Come . . . see how wonderful the place is.” It is simply like no other place on earth!