In the past few years when I have visited historic sites, I have had a sense of “time traveling.” A few years ago I visited a traveling exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls. When I looked at the tiny piece of parchment through thick security glass, I had a sense of time travel. Thousands of years no longer separated me from the past.
I have loved those moments since. Some are emotional. Some are exciting. Some are full of gratitude.
Our trip to Israel was time travel for me. A passage I was reading as I prepared for Lent and this trip was Philippians 3:7-14. A main part being this:
10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
I was about to walk almost literally where Jesus walked.
I was standing in the remains of a Roman governor’s palace contemplating Paul being on trial before Roman governors.
I had a sense of “pilgrimage” when I started. I certainly ended the trip with that same sense.
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5)
Apprentice 2 Jesus 