Galilee

Hey folks,

So the delegation is officially over, and now Rick is taking a few of us on a special tour of some "special" sites. Today we rode a bus to Nazareth and toured the "Church of the Ascension," which is dedicated to the place where it is believed the angel visited Mary. More significantly, though, it is said to have been built over Joseph's house, where Jesus lived. The beauty of the artwork made the stop more than worthwhile.

After that trip, we headed to the Sea of Galilee, and we will spend most of tomorrow touring some amazing sites: the place where Jesus preached the "Sermon on the Mount," from Matthew 5-7; where Jesus fed the five thousand; and possibly the home of Mary Magdalene. This is opening my eyes to the power and authenticity of the Scriptures, but more than that, being here, witnessing what they went through to get to worship, helps me understand the devotion they had to their faith. This humbles me.

So many times in my life i found numerous reasons to not go to church, all of which, i'm sure, were valid. But after driving from Jerusalem to Nazareth and then to Galilee, i realize how far they had to go so they could be in the temple during special days. And they didn't have the interstate or autobahn. They walked. Some rode a donkey. But it was a perilous journey with thieves and wild animals ready to attack, and yet they went, without fear, without hesitation, because their faith guided them through those "wild" adventures.

We need a faith like that today. Tomorrow afternoon, Barack Obama begins his presidency, and after spending two weeks with a people that need hope that change is coming, i realize how big of an issue this really is. I understand i cannot endorse a candidate, and i won't. But i can say, and i must say, that the foreign policy under our current, and quickly leaving administration, has led to the direct violations of thousands in Palestine alone. Bush's connection and dedication to Israel has made life not only difficult for many in Palestine, but in many cases, almost unbearable.

That's why Obama's inauguration is being watched by everyone, because so much depends on him. As i reflect on the weight he is already bearing, i realized something very true and real. He is human. He will make mistakes. He is being handed a situation so bad that no one, with all the perfect scenarios, could fix, easily. It will take time, and it will take patience. But even if Obama delivers on all he promises; there is one truth that must be acknowledged. HE IS HUMAN!

He is not the Messiah. He is not godly. He is human. And when and if we put our faith in a human being for leadership and answers; they inevitably let us down. Where does Obama fit into a conversation about faith? Everywhere.

People want him to save the world. He can't. So why not accept that fact and find someone who we can put our trust in and know that He is good? Jesus' family traveled great distances, through turbulent seasons, to honor God. God desires the same devotion. The world waits for Obama to part seas and walk on water, i say let's put our hope in the one who can part seas and does walk on water? Why not, during tomorrow's speech, make a commitment to recomit our lives, our hearts, and our whole selves to Jesus? Let's trust that He is all He professed to be, and if we put our faith in Him, all will work out according to God's plan.

God is good! Today is the day the Lord has made...

amen.

jerry