The first day of our Holy Land experience began with the question, “Did Jesus actually walk here?” As archaeologists excavate the landscape, evidence is found of the past and history is pieced together. Biblical archaeology brings forth tangible remnants of historical evidence which helps place our faith in context. As a result, we know that some of the places we visited in Israel were close to where Jesus ministered, while other places have been determined to be the actual place where Jesus once walked.
Israel is a land of antiquities. Passing centuries and civilizations have built over the original locations from biblical days. Over the years, debris has covered the life that once was. We can begin to understand what Nehemiah meant when he wrote: “Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?" (Nehemiah 4:2).
Our lives can be like that; a heap of rubble covering up a life that once was. Life can become complicated over time. Even serving the Lord can get in the way of deepening our relationship with Christ. We get lost in the rubble of daily life. Our own walk with Jesus may need to get back to the original, the uncomplicated, the simple truth of his grace. But time, the painful experiences of life, the obstacles we face, the bad decisions we make, the challenges encountered and even the daily grind can become part of the rubble or the ruins of our lives. God does not intend for us to live in the rubble of life.
Israel is a reminder that archaeological digs find not only evidence of history but affirmation of truth. The distant past affirms the present. There are times in our own lives when we have to dig deep to help us to return to our first love. We must ask the question: “Is my life with Jesus buried in the rubble of concern, sorrow, heartache, hardship or routine? We are reminded that God will rebuild the rubble of our lives. He wants to revive the stones that have become a burden to our souls back life, so that we will again find the truth of his life within us. God is a God of restoration. He desires truth in the inmost places of our lives. Let's start digging…
Photo credit: Joel Turley
Nancy Turley is the territorial abuse advisor for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. She and her husband, Joel, attend the Bracebridge Corps with their three children: Ethan, Aidan and Jordan. Nancy enjoys hiking in Algonquin Park with her family. Her column will feature reflections from her journey to the Holy Land.
So many times all of us, despite all of our efforts and good intentions, to live a lfe worthy of His calling, find ourselves being buried with stuff! Whether its work, family, or pleasure, things just have a way of piling up on us and leaving us struggling to find the light of His presence in our lives.
Thanks for the challenge Nancy to"Start Digging!"
I'm reminded of an old chorus that we used to sing in Newfoundland services when I first started attending church there.
"Back to the ol' paths of righteousness.
Back to the ol' wells again;
He'll your spirit restore
Every promise is sure,
Won't you walk down the ol' paths again!"