Israel—What A Country!Each year I take my vacation by leading a tour to Israel.  Now on my fifth tour, I am still amazed at the spiritual draw of this land and the awesome experiences of this place.  No other place on earth has the rich history and spiritual significance of the Holy Land.  If you’ve never been, garner whatever time and resources you can to experience this unbelievable place!# Day 1After a 10 hour flight from Newark Liberty Airport, we arrived just after noon mostly sleepless but ready to go.  The adrenaline rush of landing in Israel has a way of waking up weary travelers!  It was a beautiful 60 degree day (which, without the humidity of Houston, is a PERFECT sight-seeing weather!)  The country is greener than I’ve ever seen it, having received a record 25 days of rain in January! Driving through Tel Aviv I gave our group a quick reminder of the history of Israel over the past 3,500 years!  The birth of Israel on May 14, 1948 is the most significant prophetic event since the fall of Jerusalem in 70AD. Our only tourist stop today is the fascinating city of Caesarea Mauritania (Caesarea by the Sea…which is by the sea!)  Here King Herod built a fabulous summer palace, complete with indoor fresh-water swimming pool.  The arena where countless Jews and Christians died held 7,000 people.  This arena is the place of death for one of Judaism’s most famous leaders, Rabbi Akiva, whose flesh was systematically torn from his body in this arena in 135AD. The Roman theater, Israel’s oldest (built by Herod in the first century BC) and smallest (3,000 seats) is the place in which the Apostle Paul gave his defense before Agrippa and his wife, Bernice.  The testimony was so powerful that Agrippa said, “You almost persuaded me to become a Christian!” Among the treasures found in this theater was a stone that included the engraved name of Pontius Pilate, the Governor who presided over the trial of Jesus.  This stone is priceless in giving verification of the truth of Scripture.  Before its discovery, many used Pilate as an example of the “myths and legends” of the Bible.  After this discovery, the historicity of Pilate as a Roman Governor was indisputable. Our group got its first taste of the amazing buffets Israel puts out for its tourists!  Vegetables galore (all freshly grown in Israel), meats, breads, soups, desserts…what more could one ask for!# Day 2What a beautiful day for sight-seeing!  The air has just enough crispness to be refreshing, not enough to be cold! We began our day driving up the coastal plain to Mt. Carmel, climbing from seal level to 600 feet above sea level on the beautiful, rocky, and—due to the January rains—lush mountain.  One of my favorite sitting-spots in Israel is at the precipice of the mountain, overlooking the Jezreel Valley below.  It is always a joy to retell the story of Elijah, the “Troubler of Israel” who challenged King Ahab, Israel’s worst King, to a showdown.  The King brought 850 pagan prophets, and Elijah taunted them about their sleeping “god.”  When it came Elijah’s turn, he prayed a simple prayer of faith, and fire came down from heaven.  (Do not try this at home, you are not Elijah!)  It was fitting that a friendly cow met us on the trail to the overlook.  I had the tour-group gather 12 stones and we began to place the cow on the altar.  Well—not really! As spectacular as the scene was, it makes a fitting backdrop to what will occur in the valley below.  This beautiful valley is the center of so much ancient history, Biblical and secular.   The Jezreel Valley is in the plot-line of judges, kings, prophets, armies, heroes and villans for almost as long as time has been recorded.  Its chief city, Megiddo, is the second oldest city in the world.  Known as the Jezreel Valley in the Old Testament, the New Testament refers to it only once, as Har Megeddon—or, in English, Armegeddon, the Valley of Megiddo.  The showdown on Carmel is just a glimps of the future showdown that will begin in the valley below. Traveling to Megiddo, we toured this ancient city, including the Cananite altar upon which untold numbers of human sacrifices were doubtless made.  We saw the stables of King Solomon, the gates built in the time of King Aham, and the water system that makes one stand in awe at ancient technology. [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=“1_1” background_position=“left top” background_color=“” border_size=“” border_color=“” border_style=“solid” spacing=“yes” background_image=“” background_repeat=“no-repeat” padding=“” margin_top=“0px” margin_bottom=“0px” class=“” id=“” animation_type=“” animation_speed=“0.3” animation_direction=“left” hide_on_mobile=“no” center_content=“no” min_height=“none”][caption id=“attachment_790” align=“alignleft” width=“300” caption=“The Brow of the Hill, Nazareth.”][/caption] From Megiddo we travelled to Nazareth to visit the Brow of the Hill, the likely place where Jesus’ hometown was ready to push him off the cliff for claiming to be the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.  We then went to Zippori, a fascinating 2^nd Century AD Roman town with beautiful mosaic floors, including “the Monalisa of the Middle East.”  Being a student of the Gospel in the Stars, I was, of course, interested in the Zodiac found on the Synagogue floor.  I think it is significant that this Zodiac is on the floor in the Synagogue and from the Era of the Rabbi who began writing down Jewish oral history (the Mishna).  I personally think that the prophetic message of the Zodiac has been lost, but that these Jews understood its Biblical significance and thus were willing to place it on the floor of their synagogue.   (For more information on this topic, see my series called “The Heavens Declare.”) Traveling on, we drove down, down, down—to 700 feet below sea level, to our hotel in Tiberius on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. What a country!# Day 3I love Galilee!  It has to be the most peaceful spot on earth.  The beauty of the sea, the tenderness of the green, grassy hills, and the aura of the center of Jesus’ ministry is absolutely phenomenal.  Today we spent our time on and around the Sea of Galilee. [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=“1_1” background_position=“left top” background_color=“” border_size=“” border_color=“” border_style=“solid” spacing=“yes” background_image=“” background_repeat=“no-repeat” padding=“” margin_top=“0px” margin_bottom=“0px” class=“” id=“” animation_type=“” animation_speed=“0.3” animation_direction=“left” hide_on_mobile=“no” center_content=“no” min_height=“none”][caption id=“attachment_800” align=“alignleft” width=“225” caption=“This beautiful chapel on the Mount of Beatitudes was funded by Benito Mussalini. It’s perhaps the only good thing the despot did.”][/caption] It began with a few moments of meditation on the Sermon on the Mount on the Mount of Beatitudes.  It is impossible to know the exact location that Jesus gave this famous sermon, but from the 4^th Century on (perhaps earlier) this particular mountain has been the place pilgrims went to commemorate the sermon.  I have a favorite spot on the hillside where the tour group can sit on stones as I teach on the Sermon on the Mount.  What a fabulous place! After this, we took a boat ride onto the Sea itself.  Very few times does a Christian feel closer to the Lord than when he or she is on this water upon which Jesus walked, hearing the waves which Jesus calmed.  We listened to great Christian music, spent time in prayer, read from scripture, and were blessed.  We even stood for the Star Spangled Banner as our Jewish hosts expressed thanks for American support of Israel.  I pray the day does not arrive when that support is not there. [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=“1_1” background_position=“left top” background_color=“” border_size=“” border_color=“” border_style=“solid” spacing=“yes” background_image=“” background_repeat=“no-repeat” padding=“” margin_top=“0px” margin_bottom=“0px” class=“” id=“” animation_type=“” animation_speed=“0.3” animation_direction=“left” hide_on_mobile=“no” center_content=“no” min_height=“none”][caption id=“attachment_801” align=“alignright” width=“225” caption=“The beautiful Arbel Cliffs and the Valley of the Doves from the Sea of Galilee.”][/caption] We drove north through the Golan Heights (Bashan in the Old Testament) to Caesarea Philippi (Banas).  This ancient site, filled with pagan temples, is the fountainhead of the Jordan River.  More notably, it is the place where Jesus said “Who do men say that I am?” and Peter gave the response, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” The Golan Heights were under Syrian control from the time of the French Mandate until 1967, when the Six-day war brought them back to Israel.  They are strategic for Israel’s defense, even more so now that Syria is in such chaos.  Our group was within miles of both Syria and Lebanon today, and felt at total peace in Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. Our day ended in Capernaum, the town that could be described as the headquarters of Jesus’ ministry.  Here he cast out demons, healed the sick, and had a huge following.  We walked in the very Synagogue at which Jesus taught.  The response of the crowd:  “this man speaks with authority.” Tomorrow, it’s down the Jordan River valley to Bet Shean, Qumran, and then up to Jerusalem, the city of God!# Day 4It’s Sabbath in Israel.  That means very little traffic! We had a wonderful day, beginning with a wonderful baptism in the chilly Jordan!  Only one of our group opted to get in the water, and I’m glad to say that he survived!  It is the only time in my ministry that sprinkling has been a temptation. We traveled south down the strategic highway that goes along the Jordan River, into Samaria and Judea (often called “the West Bank” by the press.)  Israel is a land of contrasts, and nowhere is it more seen than on this drive.  In a little over an hour you go from lush rolling green hills in Galilee to rugged brown wilderness in Judea. Beit Shean was our first stop.  This city, one of the Decapolis in the New Testament, and often mentioned in the Old Testament, has an amazingly preserved Roman-era city.  Much of the city was built 1^st and 2^nd centuries (AD), but it’s archaeological lessons make it a must-see place in Israel. Qumran was our next stop.  The ruggedness of the wilderness alone makes this stop [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=“1_1” background_position=“left top” background_color=“” border_size=“” border_color=“” border_style=“solid” spacing=“yes” background_image=“” background_repeat=“no-repeat” padding=“” margin_top=“0px” margin_bottom=“0px” class=“” id=“” animation_type=“” animation_speed=“0.3” animation_direction=“left” hide_on_mobile=“no” center_content=“no” min_height=“none”][caption id=“attachment_806” align=“alignright” width=“225” caption=“The rugged beauty of the Judean Wilderness”][/caption] worthwhile.  Even more, however, this is the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1948, and the location of the 1^st Century Essene community.  The Essenes were likely part of the life of John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus not far from Qumran in the Jordan River.  One of the things I like to point out in the ruins of this Essene community is the mikvot (baptismal pools).  This is a great place to point out that Christian Baptism did not come from Jewish circumcision (an argument made by anyone who tries to support infant baptism), but it came from Jewish baptism!  John’s baptism was not something he made up and introduced to the Jews.  Our Christian baptism has Jewish roots, but it has nothing to do with circumcision. (For more on this subject, see my article Why I Believe in Believer’s Baptism). After lunch we took the road up to Jerusalem, and had the thrilling experience of coming into the house of the Lord!  There is nothing like coming through the tunnel that leads to Jerusalem from the west, while The Holy City plays on the CD player, and seeing the Holy City suddenly before your eyes when you exit the tunnel.  It is always a spiritual experience!  We quickly stopped at the overlook at Hebrew University, where I read Psalm 122 and we prayed together. Closing the day, we went to Bethlehem and the church of the Holy Nativity.  I must admit, this is not one of my favorite locations.  The eeriness of the orthodox and Arminian branches of Christianity is strange, but the judenrein (Jew-free) nature of the city is too much to bear.  The sign outside the Church of the Holy Nativity which says, “Pray for the freedom of Palestine” infuriates me.  First, it is borrowing the phrase from Psalm 22:6 which instructs us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (a verse I have inscribed on a ring I wear continually).  Secondly, it gives implication that Israel is the occupier and the roadblock to the peace of Palestine.   Israel is not the West Bank’s problem, Islam and its desire to see all the world judenrein is the problem! Now we have checked into the Ramat Rachel Hotel, a new one for me, but I’m very pleased (free internet-a first for me in Israel!)  Tomorrow, back to the wilderness to experience Masada, Ein Gedi, and the Dead Sea.# Day 5Today we are half done with our trip, and what a wonderful experience it has been.  After five trips to Israel, I am as convinced as ever that every Christian needs to make this journey.  In making the journey, there are several essential elements to a good trip— Have a Jewish tour guide that is committed to his Judaism.  Part of the benefit of the trip is learning the Jewish roots of your Christian faith. Go to a few sites that you have never heard of.  You will be blessed by the richness of this land.* Enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes, and history of this great land![/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=“1_1” background_position=“left top” background_color=“” border_size=“” border_color=“” border_style=“solid” spacing=“yes” background_image=“” background_repeat=“no-repeat” padding=“” margin_top=“0px” margin_bottom=“0px” class=“” id=“” animation_type=“” animation_speed=“0.3” animation_direction=“left” hide_on_mobile=“no” center_content=“no” min_height=“none”][caption id=“attachment_815” align=“alignleft” width=“300” caption=“The cables carry passengers to Masada, from 1400 ft. below sea level to 300 feet above!”][/caption] We began our day going back through the Judean wilderness to our first stop, Masada.  What an unbelievable story!  If you don’t know the story, click here and scroll down to chapters 8 and 9 to read Josephus’ account of this event.    In short, 968 Jews fled certain death from the Romans and took residence in the Masada fortress, built 100 years earlier by King Herod as a place to escape if needed.  We have no account that Herod was ever there, though he built a great palace, and the fortress provided three years protection for these Jews.  With 10,000 or more Roman soldiers working with thousands of slaves, an earthen ramp was built up the side of the Mesa-type mountain so that the walls could be breached and the last of the Jews could be killed.  Knowing that they had certain death for themselves and enslavement for their wives and children, the patriotic and God-fearing Jews took their own lives rather than bow to Rome.  It appeared that Rome had finally won.  But, as I stood on Masada today, I stood under a Star of David emblazoned proudly on an Israeli flag!  Our tourguide, Boaz Shalgi (http://editravel.co.il/) gave the best overview and the most inspiring speech on Masada that I’ve ever heard.  He honored his people, his country, and His God. I have found that Texans understand Masada because we understand the Alamo.  Our cry, “Remember the Alamo” is the same cry of Masada, “Never Again!” [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=“1_1” background_position=“left top” background_color=“” border_size=“” border_color=“” border_style=“solid” spacing=“yes” background_image=“” background_repeat=“no-repeat” padding=“” margin_top=“0px” margin_bottom=“0px” class=“” id=“” animation_type=“” animation_speed=“0.3” animation_direction=“left” hide_on_mobile=“no” center_content=“no” min_height=“none”][caption id=“attachment_812” align=“alignleft” width=“225” caption=“The beautiful falls of En Gedi–an oasis in the desert”][/caption] From Masada we went to En Gedi.  Hiking up to the spring is a wonderful  journey through part of the Oasis of En Gedi, mentioned several times in the Old Testament.  One of the most memorable is when King Saul entered a cave to relieve himself, not knowing David was in the same cave.  Rather than kill him, David cut a piece of his garment.  Saul testified of David’s goodness, but was the same man going forward.  Sometimes when our lives are spared we fail to learn anything from it. En Gedi is always an exciting place for me because the Bible says that someday it will be a place of fishing, in the days of the Messianic reign!  What a change is coming to this place.  Currently the spring flows into the Dead Sea, where no fish has ever been caught. After En Gedi, our group enjoyed a wonderful float in the Dead Sea.  Don’t come to Israel without this pampering.  (I will refrain from the jokes about the Spa at En Gedi…Spa Gedi). On our way back to the Ramat Rachel Hotel—a great place to stay—we stopped at an overlook in the Judean Wilderness that gives such a wonderful view of the road to Jericho, bringing insight into the story of the Good Samaritan, the 23^rd Psalm, the temptation of Jesus, and more.  In the distance we could see Anatoth, the home of Jeremiah the Prophet.  Today, Judea is part of the West Bank, but a few Pioneer Jews live in Jeremiah’s village.  Unfortunately, the world calls them “Occupiers” and their community a “settlement.)  How any sane person can say that the Jews occupy land that they lived on for 3,000 years is beyond me. More great adventures tomorrow!# Day 6We had a wonderful day in the Old City of Jerusalem.  Every time I am here I am awed at the prophecy which has been fulfilled in our time.   Zechariah gave this word, ““Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Old men and old women will again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each man with his staff in his hand because of age. ‘And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.’” (Zechariah 8:4–5, NASB95)   Today I could not help but think continually of these words each time I saw an old Jewish man or a group of Jewish children playing through the narrow lanes of the city.  God has done His work! [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=“1_1” background_position=“left top” background_color=“” border_size=“” border_color=“” border_style=“solid” spacing=“yes” background_image=“” background_repeat=“no-repeat” padding=“” margin_top=“0px” margin_bottom=“0px” class=“” id=“” animation_type=“” animation_speed=“0.3” animation_direction=“left” hide_on_mobile=“no” center_content=“no” min_height=“none”][caption id=“attachment_818” align=“alignleft” width=“300” caption=“Jews praying at the Western Wall.”][/caption] Our day began at the Western Wall (called the Wailing Wall before Jews secured the freedom to pray at this wall 24/7 after 1967).  It is an awesome experience praying at this wall.  Remember that God told Solomon, “My ears will always be attentive to prayers offered in this place.”  I joined the crowds with prayer for a few special needs and for some special people in my life.  I also fulfilled the instruction of Psalm 122:6 to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”   I continually wear a ring with these words, reminding me to pray for Jerusalem daily. A truly educational tour is the Western Wall tunnels, which I always enjoy.  We walked the full length of the Western Wall by going down below modern street level to the Herodian level, walking the Herodian Way along the base of the wall.  The size of the structure is awesome, and this is just the retaining wall that held the magnificent Holy Temple above! [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=“1_1” background_position=“left top” background_color=“” border_size=“” border_color=“” border_style=“solid” spacing=“yes” background_image=“” background_repeat=“no-repeat” padding=“” margin_top=“0px” margin_bottom=“0px” class=“” id=“” animation_type=“” animation_speed=“0.3” animation_direction=“left” hide_on_mobile=“no” center_content=“no” min_height=“none”][caption id=“attachment_819” align=“alignright” width=“300” caption=“Stones from the destruction of Rome, 70 A.D.”][/caption] At the southern end of the wall, we viewed some of the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome in AD 70.   Daniel prophesied the day when “the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.” (Daniel 9:26, NASB95).  Jesus also spoke of the day when “not one stone [/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=“1_1” background_position=“left top” background_color=“” border_size=“” border_color=“” border_style=“solid” spacing=“yes” background_image=“” background_repeat=“no-repeat” padding=“” margin_top=“0px” margin_bottom=“0px” class=“” id=“” animation_type=“” animation_speed=“0.3” animation_direction=“left” hide_on_mobile=“no” center_content=“no” min_height=“none”][of the Temple] will be left upon another.”  The Titus Arch in Rome also gives the picture of the destruction of Jerusalem.    I believe Jesus warned the Pharisees of their destruction in the destruction of Jerusalem when he told of a collapsing tower in which 18 died and then said “unless you repent, you will likewise perish” (Luke 13:5). The City of David is the oldest portion of Jerusalem, containing the old Canaanite walls from the Jebusite city conquered by David’s men, and Hezekiah’s tunnel (so amazing it is described in detail in 2 Chronicles 32).  At the base of this area of the city is Siloam’s Pool, where King Solomon was anointed and Jesus healed a blind man. Today I walked where Jesus walked.  But so much more!  Today I walked where Abraham, Isaac, David, Solomon, Hezekiah, Nehemiah, Peter, James, John, and so many more walked!    There is no place like this on earth. When are you coming to Israel?# Day 7[caption id=“attachment_834” align=“alignleft” width=“300” caption=“This spot is my favorite teaching place in the entire world!”][/caption] Yesterday we saw major Jewish sites in the Old City, today we saw major Christian sites, beginning on the Mount of Olives.  I absolutely love being on the Mount of Olives.  I can think of no place on earth that has been witness to such monumental events of both historic and spiritual consequence.  The Mount of Olives is my favorite teaching spot on the earth, bar none. Today I began with Zechariah 14.  This amazing chapter from an amazing book tells of the day when the Jewish people will be alone, with the world gathered for battle against them.  Zechariah tells the outcome— “Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south…And the Lord will be king over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one.” (Zechariah 14:3-4, 9, NASB95) The final outcome of that day is that “Jerusalem will dwell in security” (Zechariah 14:11), and my prayer for the peace of Jerusalem will be answered in full! Walking the Palm Sunday path down the mountain I love to stop at Dominus Flevit,  the “teardrop church” and read these words of Jesus— ““Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. “Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! “For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”” (Matthew 23:37–39, NASB95) From here, Matthew 24 gives such a clear picture about how all this will come about.  Wow, what an experience to sit here and watch the Biblical text pull together the past, present, and future, right before your eyes!  The Mount of Olives is a place you could literally spend an entire day, teaching through the significance of events which took place or will take place here.  No wonder this is sacred ground for Jews and Christians alike!  I haven’t even mentioned the tomb of Absalom, the journey of David over the mountain when he fled the city during a coup attempt, and the journey of the visible glory of God as it departed the Temple and abandoned Israel in a time of punishment (Ezekiel 10-11).  It is thrilling to look over what is now (since 1967) Jewish Israel and consider that, during the departure of God’s glory over 2,500 years ago, Ezekiel conveyed these words of God, “I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries among which you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.’” (Ezekiel 11:17, NASB95).  Before our eyes, and in my lifetime, this promise is being fulfilled! From the Mount of Olives we went into the Lion’s Gate, traditional location of the death of Stephen, and went to the pool of Bethesda.  Only when looking at this location can you begin to understand the story of the stirring of the waters and the man who had been lame for 38 years.  I’ll have to save the story for another day.  At this site also is St. Anne’s Church, built 1,000 years ago with absolutely unbelievable acoustics.  Part of our little group sang a song at this church.  You can check out the video here. (While you’re there, send me a Facebook friend request!) Continuing our journey, we traveled the Via Dolorosa through the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem.  To be honest, this has never been much of an inspiration for me.  Beside the fact that it is a dirty area of crowded storekeepers unfriendly to Israel and America, the “Stations of the Cross” are simply fictitious.  However, it is the journey we need to take to get to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is another location which only impresses me for its structural beauty and historical significance.  Should it actually be the real Golgotha and site of the Garden Tomb, it is a monument to man’s need to “trust in chariots” rather than in the Spirit.  Nonetheless, it is worth a quick visit when you are in the neighborhood! Our final stop for the day was the home of Caiaphas, the High Priest.  The location of the early morning trial of Jesus and the denial by Peter, the most moving portion of this stop is the pit which many believe may have been the holding cell of Christ after his arrest and before the trial began.  I love to read Psalm 88 down in this pit.  When you are in this dungeon, it is moving to hear the prayer of this Psalm, “I am reckoned among those who go down to the pit; I have become like a man without strength” (Psalm 88:4, NASB95).# Day 8Today we went to Nokdim!  That means nothing to those who have not been there, but it is a very meaningful visit to those who make the journey. [caption id=“attachment_835” align=“alignleft” width=“300” caption=“From Nokdim, a nice view of Herodian, burial place of King Herod.”][/caption] In any other place, Nokdim would never be a destination that pilgrims from 6,000 miles away would journey to.  But Israel is not any other place!  Nokdim is a small villiage of perhaps 1,000 people with no spectacular buildings, no famous residents, and nothing of particular importance that happened here.  Amos the Prophet was from this area (Tekoa is within view), but that is its only claim to Biblical fame.  Not much to Nokdim, is there? But this is Israel.  Not just Israel, Nokdim is in “Biblical Israel.”  That is, Nokdim is in the Judea/Samaria region in which 95% of the Old Testament record took place.  This 95% of Biblical Israel is known to the world as the West Bank, and is not Jew-friendly territory.  The 1,000 residents of Nokdim are among the 350,000 “settlers” of the “occupied West Bank” (to use the terms of the mainstream media).  If they enclose their porch, Hillary Clinton will have a political seizure and President Obama will deny their legitimacy to the world.  And our little group sat proudly in this village, in wholehearted support of this community and so many more. If we believe the Bible (I do—every word), then we have no choice but to believe that Nokdim and all of Judea/Samaria is given by God to the Jewish people.  If I want to support the declaration of God, I have no choice but to support the Jewish communities. The Prophet Zechariah gave these words of the Lord, “I will whistle for them to gather them together, For I have redeemed them; And they will be as numerous as they were before. When I scatter them among the peoples, They will remember Me in far countries, And they with their children will live and come back. I will bring them back from the land of Egypt And gather them from Assyria; And I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon Until no room can be found for them.” (Zechariah 10:8–10, NASB95). Today, we saw the people who heard the whistle!  They were Jews from South Africa, France, the USA, Canada, Israel, Russia, and more.  They were highly educated or had no education at all.  From all walks of life, they have gathered again, and “no room can be found for them” because the nations of the world—ours included—refuse to allow them room.  For as far as the eye could see, all I could see was a vast wilderness of uninhabited undeveloped hills, but the world goes into orbit when one of them builds a patio. At Nokdim, we heard the stories of why Jews have returned to this land, what they have had to endure (repeated killing because they were Jewish), and how their commitment will never end.   Because God has declared that He is on their side, I’m going to line up there as well!  An organization I love, Christian Friends of Israeli Communities, helped organize our time in Nokdim. [caption id=“attachment_836” align=“alignright” width=“300” caption=“The magnificent model of the Temple at the Israel Museum”][/caption] We spent the rest of our day at the Israeli Museum, viewing a magnificent model of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem in Roman days, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and more. Our day concluded with the always inspiring trip to the Garden Tomb and Gordon’s Calvary.   Viewing this mountain and entering the nearby Garden Tomb (it’s empty!) is moving.  Concluding the trip with the Lord