I was blessed to accompany pastors from across the US on a trip to Israel to experience the country, its people, its holy sites, and to learn about the current issues it faces. Since returning, I have been asked many questions about my week from church members, family, friends, and even strangers! This article is not able to adequately describe all I experienced. But one theme repeatedly resounded through every site and activity I witnessed. That theme was LIGHT.
God’s timing is perfect. And just as our church entered the Advent season with a theme focused on LIGHT, I heard the theme repeated all week: “God is Light.” I visited the site of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks at the Nova Music Festival, where nearly 400 people were murdered and 44 hostages were taken by Hamas. We heard from survivors who painfully shared their story of that fateful morning. We heard from one young man, now 23 years old, who spent over 500 days as a hostage. Woven throughout all their stories was the theme of light. Even in the dark tunnels where hostages were kept, this young man focused on the light of God that overcomes darkness. To hear him speak, not with hatred, but with a focus on the light and love of God, was a stirring moment I will never forget.
We were taken to Shiloh, a site dating back nearly 3500 years, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle for 369 years. It was a place where Heaven touched Earth. I visited the Mount of Olives, overlooking Mount Moriah, where Solomon’s temple sat. Even today, the remnants of King Herod’s Second Temple are still visible. At sunset, we worshiped Jesus on the southern steps of the Temple Mount, then we visited the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) where we prayed for our loved ones. I could spend hours describing the Garden of Gethsemane, the Garden Tomb, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Via Dolorosa, and more. But in all the beauty and history of Israel, I was constantly reminded of one key theme that rendered me both grateful and broken: Jesus is the Light of the World.
Standing at the Western Wall, with the full moon above me, I prayed in similar fashion to many others who prayed alongside me. I bowed my head as they did. I closed my eyes as they did. I even quoted some of the same Scripture as they did. But one stark difference was evident. By God’s grace, I prayed in the name of Jesus Christ through the power of the shed blood of Christ. Being so near to the spot where God’s presence formerly dwelled and from which God’s mercies abundantly flowed, I realized that I’m no nearer to the LORD because of my location, whether in Israel or in Alabama. God’s Spirit now dwells in me, and in you who submit to Christ’s Lordship. Darkness has blinded so many to the grace-filled Gospel of Jesus Christ. But God’s light has and still does drive away darkness. He does so in Montgomery, and He can do so in Israel.
I am blessed to call Eastmont my home church. Thank you for allowing me to experience such an incredible, life-changing week. Seeing the sites has even further driven my passion for knowing the LORD and His Word. And in so doing, I am even further driven to shine the LIGHT of Christ in the dark areas of this world and this city. LIGHT has come, and His name is Jesus. This Christmas season, will you join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and, even more so, that the light of Christ will shine brightly.