I have had the great blessing of being in Israel on two different short-term trips. Each trip was roughly two weeks long. To me, there is no place like Israel! From my very first foot steps on the land, I felt at home. It could have been a number of things that brought this feeling of the warmth of home to me. I, like many enjoy the rugged terrain, the warm days and cooler nights, the beautiful Mediterranean and of course all of the history of the God we worship. But there was something more than that. It was something deep in the fibers that make up who I am. It was very intimate and spiritual. I did find it strange that such a comfortable and encouraging feeling continued within me in this land that was described to me as so dangerous. That description in many ways is true, there is danger in living or visiting Israel. We see it on the news and read about it online. I’m not writing to talk about danger or war or fear though. I want to tell you about why I love Israel! Some of my reasons are serious and some are funny, but all are reasons that I love!
1. It’s the setting of my favorite book – I love the Bible and a good sized portion of the it takes place in Israel and the nearby areas. I should also throw in that my minor in college was geography and the geography of Israel is fascinating!
2. I love Jewish people – It’s actually pretty simple. I love Jesus and Jesus is a Jew. Not to mention that almost all of the main characters in scripture are Jewish.
3. I identify with Israel – Israel even in their most blessed times have made plenty of mistakes and fallen short. I find that comforting and inspiring. Like them, I”m in need of a Savior!
4. I like that they call big lakes, seas! – While the sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea are quite large bodies of water and technically are seas, I’m pretty sure the lakes that I fish in Texas are close in size or bigger.
5. My first Shabbat was in Haifa – I have now been apart of hundreds of shabbat ceremonies/meals and they have all been much longer and formal then my first that I celebrated in the home of a Messianic Rabbi and his family. No sooner then when I was in the middle of trying to figure out what Shabbat was, I was already stuffing my face with yummy food. I’m forever grateful for that family showing me how to do the ceremony part of Shabbat fast to get to the food and rest. Ha!!
6. The Dead Sea & the Negev – Call me crazy, but I love the heat! I’m born and raised East Texan and still do my exercise running when it’s 90+ in the summers. I’m the prime candidate to love the climate as you descend down into the Dead Sea from Jerusalem and then on towards the Negev. Scorching hot days and cool night are my favorite combination.
7. Stories – The stories of old and the stories of new that you hear in the land are too many to count. One of my favorites is when I was told that Jewish people are like an almond tree. They are tough, rugged and a little brash or rude on the outside, but once you get in, they are soft, loving and loyal. That stories has always made me love and appreciate the Jewish people more.
8. It’s small – Being a Texan, I take pride in my state being huge. Being a believer and a tourist, I’m glad that Israel is small in land mass! One of the great revelations when you get in the land and start traveling is that things are much closer then what you thought they were when you read the bible.
9. It’s delicious – The things they offer you to stuff in a Pita there are amazing. Shawarma and Falafel are a couple of my favorites to pack in the pita. In general, the Mediterranean flavor of cuisine is delicious!
10. It’s home! – One day we will rule and reign with Jesus in the new Jerusalem. If it’s anything like the current one (obviously it will be better) I think we will all enjoy ourselves just fine!
If you would like to make a financial contribution to Marvin Slaton and his family, CLICK HERE.
