Going to Israel

Dear Jesus,

I am going to be visiting you soon in Israel, your chosen land. My dreams shall be fulfilled. The trip is paid for, my bags are mostly packed, the “get to know my fellow travelers meeting” is over and I still cannot imagine the impact this trip is going to have on me.

Walking on the same soil as you did.

Seeing the house you grew up in.

Placing my feet on the same steps you stood to preach the gospel.

Looking out over the mountains, desert and waters that you viewed with your eyes.

Being in the same area where God instructed Moses and the Israelites on building the Ark of the Covenant.

Standing on the same ground where you preached the beatitudes.

Sitting in a boat, crossing the Sea of Galilee, the sea where you walked on water to calm a storm and invited Peter to do the same.

Seeing or perhaps sitting in the same room you gathered your disciples to partake in the Last Supper.

Having a chance to be baptized in the exact same water that John baptized you, and a voice from Heaven called out “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17

Praying in the same garden you agonized in, the Garden of Gethsemane, where you asked God, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:44

Then on the last day of the trip, experiencing Via Dolorosa, walking the same path you did on the road to Calvary…

Where you fell not once, not twice but three times with the weight of the cross, my cross of sins, to deliver me.

Where the people that loved you, stood in horror, not able to do anything for you as you walked past them in such agony.

Where you got to the final destination of the cross and crucifixion, that you beared for me and all sinners.

And seeing the Garden tomb you rose from, only imagining that glorious day in my mind.

I just don’t know how I will be able to get through this experience emotionally, the impact it will make on me, during the trip, and for the rest of my life, Jesus. I know you are with me now and always, but it will be different, being in the exact same place you were. I believe that my deepest emotions, emotions I don’t even know are in me, will be poured out onto tissue after tissue.

Thank you Jesus for giving me the unexpected opportunity of emailing a church that just happened to be sponsoring an upcoming future trip to Israel, the girlfriend/roommate who has had the same dream as me of visiting Israel, the finances, the spouse who is happy for me to fulfill my dream, my health intact, my loved ones thrilled and praying for me, and any fears I have incurred, now dispelled.

I love you Jesus. You have my heart.

Love
Marla