Israel is mentioned 2293 times in the King James Version Bible, so there are practical reasons to visit the country. Somewhere around the year AD 70 and several thousands years before that, the Bible was written. In the year AD 2014, I went to see the land where the Bible comes to life!
Being somewhat of a critical thinker, I do not always believe what I see or am told. Sometimes it is hard to picture what a journey from Galilee to Jerusalem would be like. But after having visited Israel, things in the Bible are starting to make sense. Looking at all the ancient limestone structures and understanding what took place there gave me a new perspective.
The mount of beatitudes has a natural acoustical setup where Jesus can speak and thousands could listen. The Place of the Skull literally has two eye-socket-shaped indentations on the side of a hill. Jerusalem was a large city built on numerous times. We can also see Bible prophecy unveil when seeing how – much the Jews suffered and were scattered during the Holocaust. (Somehow, I recall a similar event that has taken place during the Dark Ages, except this time with the true followers of Jesus).
Now, the Israeli people are a very strong people full of honesty and rich in culture. I can only imagine their strength coming from the anti-Semitism formed through the years and sticking strong to What they believe to be right. This can be an excellent lesson for us to learn when faced with trials. When the next impending holocaust comes and our faith in God stands on the line, on which side will you stand?
Phillip Pitcher
