JUC
Impression #1
My experience in Jerusalem thus far has
been an adventure filled with pleasant surprises, eye-opening encounters, and
abundant opportunities to absorb new information—far exceeding all of my
expectations. Already the Bible stories I have read for so many years are
jumping off of the pages as I explore the ancient city with all of my senses.
Embodying the customs and cultures of the Israeli people has been so enriching
for my journey with Christ as well as my journey in discovering the person God
has created me to be.
One
particular point addressed in Vernon’s lectures today was how each period of
Jerusalem’s history has literally been constructed on top of the previous era.
Therefore, each new age of history has been influenced significantly by the
past, providing its very foundation for growth and prosperity. I realized how
this principle of reusing the old holy places to create new ones relates to
human nature. Who I am today has been immensely influenced by my parents, my
grandparents, and my great-grandparents before me. Their decisions,
specifically their choice to follow Jesus Christ and accept Him as Savior, have
shaped my worldview possibly more than any other individual factor. Just as an
Israeli son historically builds his home on top of his father’s house, I have
built my beliefs about religion, politics, society, and myself upon the
foundations of my parents’ viewpoints. Though my perspective on certain issues sometimes
differs from that of my family, I still recognize the remarkable impression their
lifestyle has made upon my individual character. I experienced a renewed
gratefulness for my family’s faithfulness to Christianity throughout the
generations, because without it, I most likely would not be studying God’s Word
in Israel today.
Looking
ahead to the rest of the trip, I anxiously anticipate experiencing more
revelations like the one I had on our journey through the old city today. My
continuous prayer is that God would completely overwhelm me with His presence,
and that I would encounter Him in a way I never have before.
JUC Impression #2
Today’s
journey into the city of David and through Hezekiah’s tunnel provided an
overwhelming amount of new information, and I am currently in the process of
absorbing and processing it all. This morning in class, Vern lectured about the
reason God chose this area to be His people’s “promised land,” and the lesson
stuck with me throughout the day. The limited resources and vulnerability of
the land forced the Israelites to trust God completely for their provision and
protection. God knew that what His people really needed was not material wealth
and prosperity, but rather a genuine, dependent relationship with their
Creator. There have been many seasons of spiritual drought in my life, when I
wonder why God seems to be hiding His face or withholding His blessings from
me. However, it is through these times of hardship that my faith and dependence
on God has grown tremendously as He has placed me in a position where my only
option is to trust in His promises.
One
of today’s most memorable moments was standing so close to the exact location
where Solomon was declared king and possibly where David ruled in his palace.
As we looked at various Bible passages and connected them with their physical locations
in Jerusalem, the historical evidence providing validity to the Bible became
more and more undeniable in my eyes. Gazing upon the Mount of Olives and Mount
Zion from the City of David made the Psalms much less metaphorical in nature
and much more realistic and literal. My eyes are exhausted from trying
desperately to catch every detail of the walk today. I realize that must I
allow the wealth of new information I received to digest and soak into my
being, so that I may use these experiences to enrich my study of God’s Word
from this point forward.
Even
though the history of Jerusalem is incredibly complex and I often struggle to
understand its entirety, I cling gratefully to God’s promise that this city is
my home—I belong here. Thanks to Christ’s sacrifice and forgiveness of my sins,
I have been adopted into His family and, therefore, my story fits perfectly
into place in Jerusalem’s rich history, just like David and Abraham before me.
I am continuously awestruck by the grace and faithfulness of the God we serve.
JUC Impression #3
God works in unexpected ways. This phrase
has resounded in my mind throughout the experiences I encountered today. I was
awestruck by witnessing firsthand the connections made from scriptures in the
Bible to the physical locations where they took place, specifically at the
Temple Mount and the Bethesda Pools. Knowing with absolute certainty that Jesus
lived, moved, and breathed at those locations overwhelmed me with indescribable
emotion. Now more than ever in my lifetime, I have accepted the reality that
Jesus was a flesh-and-blood man yet still fully God, carrying out the
prophesies in the Old Testament and ultimately dying on a cross to rescue me
from sin. The Bible is not simply a historical collection of stories that
happened long ago and far away. It is a current and relevant book filled with everlasting
life and infallible truth. It has stood the test of time because of its
validity and accuracy, only proven more clearly to me through my journey here
in Israel.
One
of the most transformative moments for me today was sitting on the temple steps
and hearing Vernon read Jesus’ words from Matthew 23. My eyes drank up the
surroundings as I visualized what Jesus was likely referring to when he spoke
to the crowds in Matthew, from the whitewashed tombs on the Mount of Olives (v.
27) to the hills surrounding Jerusalem like a hen surrounding her chicks (v.
37). Jesus’ humility is exemplified through the way he explained complex
theological ideas in simple ways, relating it to everyday concepts the average
Israelite could understand. It revealed the intimacy and connectedness God
desires to have with His people. He longs to meet us where we are, not where we
should be. Perhaps the largest impact this trip has made on me so far is
offering me a better understanding of God’s character through intentional and
rigorous study of His Word. The pages of my Bible are springing to life and I
am blessed with a renewed exuberance to learn as much as I can about God’s
Word.
JUC Impression #4
At
every site we visited today, my euphemized, Sunday school picture of various
Bible stories was dispelled and replaced by a much more realistic depiction of
the events, taken directly from the literal Hebrew translation of the Bible. I
was faced with the disappointment of crushed expectations, yet I was grateful
to be enlightened with the truth of scripture. From this point forward in my
walk with the Lord, I will be in the continuous process of using the sights I
have seen and the knowledge I have gained to reconstruct more accurate mental
images of Biblical events.
Arriving
at the first century (second temple period) tombs today quickly crushed my
picture book idea of Jesus’ tomb nestled in a quiet, lush hillside coated in
grasses. Rather, the tombs were packed closely next to each other in a dry and rocky
land, and each family’s tomb housed multiple bodies at once. Jesus was
crucified under the identity of a criminal; therefore, he was offered no
special treatment at burial. He would have been placed in a body-sized hole cut
into the chalky cave wall just like any other commoner at the time, likely
sharing the cave tomb with several other decomposing bodies.
The
nativity scene was another distorted Biblical image I possessed before this
afternoon. Vernon explained that the literal Hebrew translation of Jesus’ birth
reveals that Mary and Joseph did not stay at an inn, but a relative’s home.
Most likely, Jesus was born in the summer months, because the shepherds were
outside with their flocks of sheep at night. If He was born in the winter
months, the temperature would most likely plummet too low at night for the
shepherds to watch their sheep outside comfortably. Today’s Church of the
Nativity and town of Bethlehem certainly disappointed me in appearance as well.
I expected a quaint little village and a humble Christian church offering reverence
to the Savior’s birth. Instead, I was welcomed into a modernized,
tourist-driven town covered in trash and an elaborate Orthodox church viewed
more as a museum than a place of worship. To add to the confusion, English Christmas
music blaring from the loudspeakers in Bethlehem square competed simultaneously
with the Islamic call to prayer, located only a few feet away. This paradox of
expectation versus reality challenged my faith, yet also greatly enhanced my
understanding of Jesus’ life in a way that will enrich my study of God’s Word
for the rest of my lifetime.
JUC Impression #5
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the
mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” (1 Peter 5:6)
This verse came to my mind as we remembered Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan River.
God humbled Himself beyond all human comprehension to take the form of an
ordinary man named Jesus. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the
Jordan, He humbled Himself to the meekest point in order to fully relate to the
people He came to save. “God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for
us, so that God's righteousness would be produced in us.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus had no need to be baptized, yet He desired to walk beside His followers
and be an example they could follow.
I realized the subtle symbolism of Jesus
being baptized at the lowest place on earth and being crucified on a high place
visible to everyone. Though Jesus’ death appeared to be His defeat, it was actually
His greatest victory. He conquered death at Golgotha and was exalted to a high
position at the right hand of God. This imagery vividly illustrates “the least
will become great,” upside-down way of thinking in the Kingdom of Heaven. In my
own life, I have discovered that at my points of greatest spiritual or physical
weakness, God has revealed His power most brilliantly through me. In the words
of Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But [God] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient
for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all
the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.”
From a geographical viewpoint, the most
surprising aspect of the Benjamin field study was the drastic change of scenery
and landscape in such a short distance. The wilderness was rocky and arid, with
nothing but tan rolling hills as far as the eye could see. Yet, less than an
hour drive away in Jericho and Gezer, the land was so lush with palm tress and
other plants that the hills looked like a wavy green sea. Observing the variety
of topography in Israel offered me a much clearer image of the scenery of
ancient cities, setting the stage upon which countless Bible stories took
place.
JUC Impression #6
Vernon’s
discussion of the importance of marriage and gender roles on the terraced hill
today allowed me to view the context of the Bible’s stories in better clarity.
I didn’t realize how crucial marriages were to acquiring resources and
ultimately sustaining life in ancient times. Also, I was surprised that women
were acknowledged at all for their contributions to maintaining a family,
because I always assumed women were entirely degraded or viewed as unimportant
in relation to the men. However, without the women rationing and preparing
meals, educating children, and coordinating community events, Israelite society
would’ve been incapable of functioning.
Today’s lecture prompted me to thank God
for His creation of the family structure. Though no family is perfect, God
designed the family structure to reflect His own complete and glorious image in
the trinity. The father is the head of the household, guiding and providing for
the family. The mother is the supporter and sustainer, loving and equipping her
husband and children to prosper. The children are the pride and joy of the
parents, possibly the greatest blessing God has ever given humanity. As a
whole, this family structure is able to function efficiently and cohesively,
possessing all necessary resources for survival. I am awed by God’s intricate
signature in the most simple and often overlooked aspects of life.
I loved the lecture about David and
Goliath as we sat on top of the hill and gazed into the Elah Valley. I had no
idea the Bible contained such subtle symbolism relating the bronze Goliath to
the pagan gods and the red David to Adam and therefore the image of God
Himself. Also, hearing theories about why Goliath fell forward instead of
backward when hit with the stone was fascinating. Small details like this are
seemingly unimportant to the story as a whole, yet it reveals the depth and
complexity of God’s character. God is far bigger than our human understanding
could begin to comprehend, yet He gladly stoops down to be concerned with the
frivolous details of our daily lives. God’s love contains no borders and His
mercy knows no limits.
JUC Impression #7
Today, God reaffirmed His promise that
claims He remains faithful even when His people are continuously unfaithful. In
the first site we visited, Vernon pointed out the ruins of what used to be the
town’s Holy of Holies. The two stone pillars seen inside this area evidenced that,
although the Israelites worshipped Yahweh, they also probably worshipped other
deities as well. This border town, which was frequently influenced by other
cultures, began worshipping false gods because of the pressure to conform to
society.
Modern day Christianity is no different.
Though we may not erect stone pillars to represent the gods we worship, we
nevertheless invest our time, energy, and dependence upon people and things
other than our Father God. I constantly battle with placing my full trust in
God to provide. Because I am so blessed to have everything I need and more, I
rarely feel the need to surrender my all to the Lord and allow Him to be in total
control. Yet, when I continue to rely on my own abilities, I enter into an
endless cycle of loneliness and discontentment. Only when my heart rests
entirely in God alone will I ever be wholly content and joyful. After seeing
the two stone pillars revealing the unfaithfulness of God’s people in Abraham’s
time, I was encouraged knowing the mercy God gave His followers then is the
same mercy He continues to pour out upon me.
Another impression that pressed on my
heart today was feeling so tiny and insignificant while hiking in the majestic,
limitless canyon. I realized that my feelings of meekness in the valley do not
even come close to the immense awe and wonder of standing in the presence of
God. He created the canyon with its beautiful ridges and peaceful streams—and
He created me. I am astounded by the love of my Heavenly Father, Who generously
crafted me in His own image and allows me to experience His exquisite creation.
I am also deeply humbled with the knowledge that the Maker of the sunset and
the canyons desires to use me to carry out His divine plan for the world. I am
broken and unworthy, tainted by the mistakes of my sinful nature. Yet, God’s
perfect love removes my flaws, heals my wounds, and equips me with everything I
need to serve in His kingdom. Glory to God, forever and ever!
JUC Impression #8
“God,
you are my God. I search for you. I thirst for you like someone in a dry, empty
land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). I was able to visualize this psalm
clearly and understand the intense emotion behind its words as I hiked on the
rugged, dusty terrain of Masada and Qumran today. The sun was beating down on
my back, my legs were wobbly and unstable from exhaustion, and I had no water
left in my water bottle. I “felt” the Bible in my body, as Vernon has been
encouraging us to do throughout the trip. Reading the psalms while sitting on a
rock near David’s waterfall was a tranquil, soul-nourishing experience. I
could’ve remained in that spot all day listening to the soothing rush of the
waterfall and admiring God’s breathtaking creation.
Each
day, God has reminded me in some way or another that He indeed is the same God
in ancient times as He is today. His faithful character is eternally
unshakable. The way God interacted with Abraham, Moses, David, and Ruth is
exactly how He desires to communicate with me. I am gradually learning that I
alone have been hindering myself from a more intimate relationship with God. It
is not that God is more distant in 2014 than He was in 1400 BC. Rather, my
expectations of Who God is and how He should appear in my life has blinded me
from seeing His true glory. Now that I have grasped this humbling realization,
I am in the process of breaking down the barriers I have built to contain God and
allowing Him to fully strip me of my pride. Only when my heart has been made
entirely vulnerable in the presence of God can it then begin to rest and trust
in His provision alone. “My grace is sufficient for you” is a promise that the
Lord has been engraving upon my heart during my time here.
On
a less personal note, I loved the
time spent at the Dead Sea. There is nothing like the sensation of floating
when “there is nothing you can do about it.” J Also, I have never willingly covered myself with mud (and
enjoyed it) until now! The warm sun, crystal blue waters, and sand between my
toes only enhanced this unforgettable experience.
JUC Impression #9
“The
Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find
protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety”
(Psalm 18:2). This Bible verse immediately came to mind as I reflected over today’s
events. As we ventured into an area of intense political conflict, I began to
understand the fear and oppression that persecuted Christians around the world
experience daily. I knew that my safety and security was out of my control in
the Shechem area. I had no choice but to pray to God for protection and fully
trust that He was guarding me under the shadow of His wings. Never before have
I been placed in a situation where my safety was in jeopardy because of my
faith, and experiencing this uneasiness renewed my sympathy for persecuted
Christians in every nation. I realized how much I take my freedom of faith for
granted and was convicted of the necessity to pray for oppressed believers more
diligently and consistently.
After
dinner tonight, several members of the group visited the Western Wall to pray.
I loved the entire experience—from wearing the headscarf, to praising God at a
place where prayers have been poured out for hundreds of years, to reflecting
over the trip in the peaceful, moonlit environment. A prayer that resonated in
my heart while at the wall was that the Israeli and Palestine people would have
their blind eyes opened to the truth and hope offered through Jesus Christ. Several
times throughout my time in Israel I have felt a very evident, oppressive
darkness due to the spiritual warfare here. My heart has been burdened by the
hopelessness and desperate need for redemption in this place, and the Lord has
prompted me on many occasions to pray immediately for His lost children.
Psalm
18:2 echoed in my heart again tonight when our group was exploring the city and
panicked when we discovered that we had accidentally left Sammy behind at a
grocery store a few minutes before. I was forced again to acknowledge that the
situation was completely out of my control, but I had no other choice to place
my full trust in God to protect Sammy and bring her back to JUC safely. I prayed
wholeheartedly that God would station His guardian angels around Sammy and
guide her back home. I was relieved beyond words when we found Sammy in one
piece at JUC. The scope of today’s unsettling events reminded me of God’s power
to protect and faithfulness in every circumstance. He is my eternal Rock and
Refuge.
JUC Impression #10
Today,
we had the unique opportunity to view a large span of northern Israel due to
all the time spent driving on the bus. As I looked out the window and took in
the surrounding landscape, Vernon’s words from yesterday’s lecture echoed in my
mind about the simplicity and commodity of the place where Jesus lived. The
country of Israel is not a glamorous place. The majority of its inhabitants sustain
a humble income through shepherding, farming, or running a shop—even to this
day. However, it was not by chance that God chose this place to make a covenant
with His people and send His Son to live and die. The natural geological
construction of Israel lends itself to difficulty and challenges for its inhabitants.
Israel’s limited resources and its location between multiple powerful,
prosperous nations lead to endless conflict, hardship, and turmoil. Yet,
Israel’s poor, dirty, oppressed, humble identity also provides the perfect
backdrop for God’s glory to shine most brilliantly.
The
Roman city at Beit Shean was my favorite archaeological sight so far. Because
so much of the city remained intact, I was able to visualize how the people actually
lived during that time. Something that struck me as I strolled through the city
was how religious practices appeared to be just another recreational activity
for the Romans, such as going to the theater or the gymnasium. Generally, the
Romans were wealthy, self-sufficient people who had all of their basic needs
met. They were rarely dependent on outside sources for help or resources,
because they had created a solitary, idealized society of their own within the
city walls. Therefore, it was much less of a necessity for the Romans to plead
to their gods for help than it was for the Israelites. I realized that the
mentality of the Romans is very similar to the mentality of Americans today.
Because the majority of Americans are blessed with an overabundance of resources,
we rarely feel the need to ask for God’s help, thus rarely experiencing total
dependence on Him. Often times, going to church is simply another activity in
the week that we do to meet society’s view of a “good” lifestyle. It is
possible to go to church every Sunday without ever acknowledging the presence
of God or growing closer to Him. I felt convicted to reevaluate my intentions
behind why I do what I do. Am I really longing to grow closer to my Savior by
learning more about Him, or am I simply trying to live up to society’s
expectations of a “good” person? Food for thought.
JUC Impression #11
An
issue addressed today when we visited Hazor was the mystery of God’s judgment
upon His people, specifically when God called Joshua to annihilate entire
towns, including children. How do we as Christians, claiming to believe in a
God with consistent character, reconcile His wrath in the Old Testament with
His anti-violence philosophy spoken through Jesus in the New Testament? This
conflict in Christian theology has remained a stumbling block for Christians
and nonbelievers for ages. Our feeble human minds cannot fathom the complexity
of God’s perfect character, and our knowledge of Him is based almost entirely
upon Biblical text. And, as we discussed at Hazor, Biblical text can be widely
interpreted and even skewed to justify sinful actions, such as with genocides
and mass violence done in the name of Christianity throughout history.
An
easy solution to the problem would be to write off this “inconsistency” in
God’s character as a divine mystery that we will never be able to understand in
this earthly life and cease further argumentation. However, many nonbelievers
use God’s wrath against Him, saying God is cruel and unjust for allowing His
people to suffer. I believe it is crucial for God’s children to seek Him
wholeheartedly, especially in areas of faith that make us feel uncomfortable.
By persevering in the pursuit of knowledge, God will equip us with the skills
we need to defend our beliefs intellectually and courageously, even if we don’t
possess or comprehend all of the “right” answers. The Lord has promised, “If
you seek me, you will find me.” Our pursuit of God, no matter how full of
doubts and questions, is never done in vain.
On
a completely different topic, while standing on Ben Tal overlooking Syria, I
gained a much deeper appreciation for the blessing of freedom I possess as an
American. I have unintentionally taken this privilege for granted as I have
been raised “in the land of opportunity,” never knowing any differently. Yet,
the immensity of my freedom became so much more apparent as I looked over a
land functioning as a massive, violence-filled prison for everyone within its
boundaries. Again, I was convicted to pray fervently for the Syrian people,
especially the Christians, who are relentlessly threatened and persecuted
without a means of escape. Once I return to America, I will live with much
greater awareness and thankfulness for the freedom God has so graciously
blessed me with.
JUC Impression #12
God
has been continuously reminding me this week that He is not found in the wind,
the fire, or the earthquake; rather, He is found in the “gentle whisper” that
echoes in my heart everywhere I go (1 Kings 19:9-18). I have been seeking
intimacy with God in the physical locations where He spoke to His people in the
Old Testament and where Jesus lived during His time on earth. I walked the Via
Dolorosa, entered the church of the Nativity, stood in the Jordan River, and
sailed on the Sea of Galilee. Yet, I left all of these locations without
experiencing a supernatural sensation of nearness to God.
Surprisingly, I have been most
overwhelmed by God’s presence in the small, uneventful moments of the day—during
a meaningful conversation with someone on the bus, through a time of reflection
before I fall asleep, or in the peaceful stillness of an unexpected minute by
myself. It’s as if God is whispering over and over again, “I am here. I am in
your heart. I am all around you. I love you.” My focus has shifted from the
monumental places and sights we visit to the God Who made those sights
monumental. Now I am more conscientious about being unceasingly aware of God’s
presence every minute of my day, not only during church or another designated
time of worship. Praise God that He is just as close to me in Upland, Indiana
as He is in the Holy Land of Israel!
A
continuous theme of Vernon’s lectures has been how Jesus came to fulfill the
Old Testament. I have loved learning about the specific ways Jesus embodied the
prophesies in the Old Testament and enacted the culmination of the law (Torah).
Before the trip, I looked at the Old and New Testaments as two nearly unrelated
sections of the Bible, and I often neglected study of the Old Testament because
I didn’t really think it would benefit my spiritual journey. This learning
experience in Israel has totally redefined my viewpoint of the Bible. I now see
the Old and New Testaments as intertwined and inseparable, each one
tremendously enhancing the other. For the rest of my life, my study of the
Bible will be so much more enriching and rewarding thanks to the rigorous
excavation of the Old Testament our group has done throughout the last three
weeks.
JUC Impression #13
Hiking down the Cliffs of Arbel today
reminded me of the importance of encouraging other believers along our
spiritual journeys. As the group moved cautiously down the mountain, those in
the lead would shout warnings and helpful tips back to those behind them when
they would encounter obstacles in order to guide each other safely along the
trail. Hearing calls such as,
“Careful! The rocks are slippery here!” or “Place your foot here and hold on to
this rock,” made the descent down the sleep slope a smooth, enjoyable process. If
I would’ve tried to scale the cliff on my own, I would’ve been much more
fearful and discouraged, not knowing what to expect on the trail ahead. I was
reliant on those who had already braved the path and conquered the obstacles to
direct me with words of wisdom.
In the same way, I depend on the wisdom
of mature believers in Christ who are farther along on the path of
righteousness to “call back” to me words of encouragement and guidance. Elder
Christians have already endured hardships and know the best strategies to
remain focused on God when the path of life becomes rocky. These people also
keep me accountable, making sure that I remain on the straight and narrow road
instead of wandering off to the slippery slopes of sin. God strategically
places people in my life who have experienced challenges similar to my own and who
can offer a supportive hand and a keen eye when I lose track of the right path.
Additionally, God allows me to cross
paths with other believers who are not as far along on their spiritual journey
to uplift and counsel. I must remain aware of these “divine appointments” and
take the opportunity to both teach and learn from fellow Christians. The body
of Christ is one of the greatest blessings God has given His children. When the
different parts of the body work together to live honestly and serve
effectively, His name is glorified throughout the earth. I am beyond grateful
to have met and fellowshipped with so many other believers of various ages,
backgrounds, and worldviews on this trip. Overall, my class experience and
spiritual journey has been enriched due to the generous kindness and wisdom my
elders have poured out upon me over the last three weeks. I praise God for
allowing me to walk alongside such a unique, funny, wise, unforgettable group of
individuals on this portion of my spiritual journey. I look forward to being
reunited in heaven someday, if not again on earth. Shalom, Israel!
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