by Pastor Betzer | 2 Comments »
Leviticus 20:24 “You will possess their land; I will give it to you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey.”
Israel has been my “home away from home” since 1971. The first trip there was still two years away from the infamous Munich Olympics massacre, offering entre to the shadowy and bloody world of terrorism. I am often asked if I worry about safety in the Holy Land. Frankly, no. We are all well cognizant of the dangers that face the world today; however, I refuse to cower in the corner when there is so much living to do.
Some of my life’s greatest adventures have come in Israel. I think of climbing into the ancient guard tower in the Jericho ruins, believed to be the oldest man-made structure on earth, even predating the pyramids by thousands of years. I remember that tiny open-sided helicopter that whisked me from one end of Israel to the other, our feet hanging out as we swept over Nazareth, Haifa, the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem. I often reminisce about the prayer meeting with the Greek Orthodox priests early one morning in the cave of the nativity in Bethlehem. I can still hear the laughter ringing from my friends on Yehuda’s wooden boat as we filmed a documentary in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. And I positively drool when I remember a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Jerusalem where I was taken late one night by my friend David Assael, where the bread is “to die for.” I think often of the late night dinners with Palestinian friends overlooking the Herodian and the tiny village of Tekoaha.
Life is so fulfilling and rich! But not if one shrinks into the shadows of presumed safety. Yes, life can offer danger in many cloaks. But somehow it’s realized more often by the fearful. God’s love casts out all fear, my friend! So enjoy living.
Prayer: O God, by the word of Thy mouth, strike all fear from my life. May I walk in joy and the security of knowing you. You promised life abundant! And you have delivered it to those of us willing to reach for it. Thank you. Amen.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I’m really impressed by your blog and your church’s website. I am a young student trying to learn the ins and outs of getting people to visit our church website and ultimately our church. It’s great to see the time you take out of your schedule to get personal with your readers about different topics. Thank you for your passion and zeal. It really does make a difference. I have a lot I am learning from you.
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
One thing which is so wonderful is to live in a home free from any fear — ever!! With Christ as the head of our home and you being the head under Him, we have had the most wonderful peace in our home through these years. Thank you for being willing to lead our lives in this way.
Darlene