So, there we were in Jerusalem, sidelined by a vicious stomach virus that left more than half of our tour group in bed for at least a day. I was in a pity party for being in the Holy Land and having to miss the sites on the schedule. That's when He sent me an IM about what would be on the real life agenda that day. My impression was that I would see something from that sick bed more consequential than the holy sites on the itinerary.
Maybe it's just me, but my learning curve is often ramped up when I'm out of order. In the norm movement and activity and busy-ness can be distractions. Of course, being a tour host involves shepherding the group somewhat so that first time visitors to Israel can absorb the whole experience and be moved by what happened in those special places. Quarantined within the four walls of our nice room at the Olive Tree Hotel, pictured above, insured a day away from the crowds, the rush from site to site, and the hectic pace of running today where Jesus walked. It's the captive audience thing.
The lesson of the day: those holy sites mean nothing apart from the personal faith that gives them authentic meaning. Well, duh? Of course. That's the whole deal about a trip to the Holyi Land in the first place. It's what makes a trip to Israel a pilgrimage. Apart from the personal faith it would be no different than a vacation to Europe or to the islands. Faith activates the meaning of those places.
You'd think this is understood. But, millions of tourists travel to the Holy Land, visit all the sites, purchase mementos, antiquities, and other treasures, venerate the many churches and sites, and never reflect on what makes them so precious. Then again, much of the biblical data about what happened in those places is discounted and marginalized by the varying approaches to biblical interpretation and the religious angles that so many groups super-impose over the places.
The lesson: without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 6:3), even in a sixth visit to the Holy Land. All the pretensions of holy travel are exposed by the simple fact that faith in Jesus brings it definition. The whole Book is about Him, as is the whole land. And, at times, we need to step aside to re-discover it.
Perhaps I would have experienced this reminder at one of the sites that day. What is true, however, is that I saw something more valuable while staring at my feet.
It was Advanced Learning 301, again. Maybe I'll get it this time.
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