A Reflection on Holy Land Travel
Mark A. Taylor reflects on visits to Israel and Jordan, remembering the spiritual weight and natural beauty of places connected to Scripture. From the Sea of Galilee to Mount Nebo, he considers how these lands can enrich both travel and faith.
- The Sea of Galilee left a lasting impression as wind and waves stirred memories of Jesusโ ministry.
- Jordan also deserves a place in Holy Land travel, with sites such as Gadara and Mount Nebo.
- The Holy Land offers both spiritual reflection and memorable travel experiences.
By Mark A. Taylor
When I returned from my trip to Israel, my wife said, “You are NOT going to begin speeches or sermons with, โWhen I was in Israel . . .โ Right?” And I guess I never have.
I donโt think Iโve ever written about that trip, either. But I couldnโt resist adding my testimony after reading Marshall Haydenโs and Tom Jonesโs moving pieces this week. Their experiences help me remember my own special time there.
Israel and the Sea of Galilee
I think the majestic Sea of Galilee was my favorite stop. Although it is usually still, wind churned it into waves the day we took a boat trip across. A boatload of Spanish priests bouncing along nearby was singing. Their voices were strong across the water, although we couldnโt understand their words.
“They sing about Christ calming the storm,” someone told us. Yes, on this water storms arise. Jesus was once there, just as we were. The breeze whipped across my face as I tried to imagine him walking on the waves.
I was also struck by how compact the land is. (Just a short ride from Jerusalem to Bethlehem.) And how green. (Rose beds bloomed in the median strips of the Jerusalem six-lane streets. We passed fields with banana trees laden with fruit.) Like Marshall, I was moved by the Garden Tomb, and I still remember meditating at the place where Jesus may have been born.
Jordan as Holy Land
And Israel is not the only Holy Land. When I returned from my trip to Jordan, I realized it deserves a spot on pilgrimsโ itineraries too. Here we visited Gadara and imagined the demon-filled herd of pigs stampeding over a nearby hillside. Here we stood on Mount Nebo and tried to fathom what it meant to Moses to look across the Jordan to the promised land he would never inhabit.
And on both sides of that river, and places away from it, I remember beautiful scenery, awe-inspiring deserts, cool water, modern resorts, bountiful buffets, and comfortable (and sometimes luxurious) sleeping rooms.
Travel That Enriches the Spirit
Our writers this week make much of the spiritual experiences possible to Holy Land visitors. But these places are wonderful destinations in any travelerโs vacation plan. Itโs good to know that one need not punish his body to enrich his spirit here.
But one may not come any closer to Godโor an understanding of what he has done in historyโthan he will with a visit to these lands.
I think Iโll see if I can return there with Marshall or Tom sometime soon.
Author: Mark A. Taylor
Mark A. Taylor, who served as Christian Standard editor from 2003 to 2017, retired in June 2017 after almost 41 years with Standard Publishing (Christian Standard Media).
