Among the most moving moments...
Illustration
Among the most moving moments during a study tour of Israel were those spent standing at the western wall of the Temple, the "Wailing Wall." For months I had anticipated the trip. For years I had been reading, studying and doing research on the Bible. At last I would have the chance to stand in places where events in the Bible actually took place.
On a clear January day I stood at the wall. My imagination ran wild. I could see generations of men and women standing in the same place, all praying their prayers for peace, for shalom. Tragically, their prayers and in all likelihood mine would not be answered fully. Empires rose and fell; nations ruled triumphantly and then tottered into ruins.
But still, the faith to which the Bible gives witness survives. Men and women still gather for their prayers. If they don't gather at the "Wailing Wall" they gather in congregations scattered across the globe. It's not the Christian faith that archaeologists dig up from ancient dust. Archaeologists dig up artifacts of once-thriving nations. The faith continues in the minds and hearts of the faithful.
Buildings have never preoccupied me. They can fall apart. Nations and empires will rise and fall. But the faith, the faith will endure. Thanks be to God.
On a clear January day I stood at the wall. My imagination ran wild. I could see generations of men and women standing in the same place, all praying their prayers for peace, for shalom. Tragically, their prayers and in all likelihood mine would not be answered fully. Empires rose and fell; nations ruled triumphantly and then tottered into ruins.
But still, the faith to which the Bible gives witness survives. Men and women still gather for their prayers. If they don't gather at the "Wailing Wall" they gather in congregations scattered across the globe. It's not the Christian faith that archaeologists dig up from ancient dust. Archaeologists dig up artifacts of once-thriving nations. The faith continues in the minds and hearts of the faithful.
Buildings have never preoccupied me. They can fall apart. Nations and empires will rise and fall. But the faith, the faith will endure. Thanks be to God.
