WALK WHERE JESUS WALKED

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened.  While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them (Luke 24:13-15).

The sales pitch used to sell a trip to the holy land inevitable includes this quote: "Walk where Jesus Walked."  The pilgrimage to the holy land is an emotional experience; even for those of us whose interests center only on greater understanding.  It is almost impossible for one not to be emotional because the holy land is our spiritual homeland; the dramas that were lived out there are the basis of our hope.  I was one of those people who went primarily to have a better understanding of the Bible and the lives and times of the people of the Bible yet it was an emotional experience for me too.  It is one thing to learn it in a class, from reading books and listening to lectures, it is another thing to get a feel of the atmosphere, smelling the smells, feeling the wind, experiencing the geography while thinking of the events that happened there.  As I read the Scriptures now, I can picture those events in a more accurate setting.  I can truly say that the holy land tour re-ignited my desire to just read the Bible.  It also helped me to a better understanding of the dynamics involved in the current problems of the Middle East.

Touring the holy land, with good preparation, is a kind of road-to-Emmaus experince.  In the context of the cited text, the risen Christ joined the two disciples: And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself (Luke 24:27).  Like those two disciples who gained understanding from the Emmaus walk with Jesus, one will gain a deeper appreciation for and understanding of the Bible when one walks where Jesus walked.

Doing a holy land tour is not cheap.  For many a literal trip is not possible.  However, one does not have to go to the holy land to walk where Jesus walked.  Walking in faith, trust and love is walking the road where Jesus walked.  His Spirit will be with you so that your life will become more like his!

Grace&Peace;
Tom