Visiting Israel is something the more I do the more I want to do. I am not particularly fond of the travel time from Australia, but there is nothing in the world like the Holy Land. Each time has been a unique experience, and thanks to the vast improvement in internet connections I am able to post pictures to Facebook and even blog when time permits.
This morning our group went across the Sea of Galilee on a boat, saw the "Jesus Boat" museum, visited the Mount of Beatitudes, and Capernaum - all before an amazing lunch. Granted, we did eat a bit late today, but it was a remarkable experience as we reflected on the truths of God's Word. The life of a Christian is not one living in the past, preoccupied with ancient history, or based on yesterday's choices, but one of every day looking to our risen LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Jesus has spoken, and for the wise men who still seek Him He has much to say.
One thing which struck me today was something I did not expect: the signs in the windows of the chapel built over the house of Peter in Capernaum. On the sign was a photo of a hooded child with an extended finger laid across the lips. The caption, which looked like it had been written at different times, read "Holy place! Keep silence please! No explaining inside. Only for the Holy Mass or prayer." I can understand it is not conducive to worship when people on a tour are talking loudly over each other. But it is interesting that a holy place should be a silent place. There are people who have made vows of silence over the years as a discipline, and self-denial is often viewed as pious or spiritual.
I am grateful God is a holy God and He has chosen to speak. He did not remain silent but revealed Himself to the world through the scripture, the Law and the prophets, the testimony of nature, Jesus Christ coming to earth to die and rise again, and through the Holy Spirit. When His disciples asked Jesus questions, Jesus was glad to answer. His aim was to reveal God's wisdom and love to men, not conceal it. Jesus said in John 16:12-14, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you."
Israel's history is an amazing tapestry of God revealing Himself powerfully and miraculously to people through the ages to this day. Praise the LORD for the revelation of divine love and that He cares for all people by His grace! Jesus is the Word who became flesh and we have beheld His glory, the only begotten of the Father. God speaks to be known, heard, feared, understood, obeyed, praised, and glorified!
This morning our group went across the Sea of Galilee on a boat, saw the "Jesus Boat" museum, visited the Mount of Beatitudes, and Capernaum - all before an amazing lunch. Granted, we did eat a bit late today, but it was a remarkable experience as we reflected on the truths of God's Word. The life of a Christian is not one living in the past, preoccupied with ancient history, or based on yesterday's choices, but one of every day looking to our risen LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Jesus has spoken, and for the wise men who still seek Him He has much to say.
One thing which struck me today was something I did not expect: the signs in the windows of the chapel built over the house of Peter in Capernaum. On the sign was a photo of a hooded child with an extended finger laid across the lips. The caption, which looked like it had been written at different times, read "Holy place! Keep silence please! No explaining inside. Only for the Holy Mass or prayer." I can understand it is not conducive to worship when people on a tour are talking loudly over each other. But it is interesting that a holy place should be a silent place. There are people who have made vows of silence over the years as a discipline, and self-denial is often viewed as pious or spiritual.
I am grateful God is a holy God and He has chosen to speak. He did not remain silent but revealed Himself to the world through the scripture, the Law and the prophets, the testimony of nature, Jesus Christ coming to earth to die and rise again, and through the Holy Spirit. When His disciples asked Jesus questions, Jesus was glad to answer. His aim was to reveal God's wisdom and love to men, not conceal it. Jesus said in John 16:12-14, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you."
Israel's history is an amazing tapestry of God revealing Himself powerfully and miraculously to people through the ages to this day. Praise the LORD for the revelation of divine love and that He cares for all people by His grace! Jesus is the Word who became flesh and we have beheld His glory, the only begotten of the Father. God speaks to be known, heard, feared, understood, obeyed, praised, and glorified!
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