My journey to Jerusalem started in Texas, USA when God used a fellow South-African’s testimony to grab a hold of my life about 9 years ago. In the last two years the Word has become living to me and I have studied it more and more. The people and places have started to intrigue me. I was amazed when I found out that former places unknown to me, still exist today where major global events will take place in the current and near future. The Word suddenly became relevant in today’s time.
At the end of 2004 I returned to South-Africa and started to contemplate a trip to Israel after buying a Let’s Go Israeli travel guide. One night, with this specific thought in my mind, I read my daily scheduled scripture piece when the following verse leapt out at me - Psalm 84:5 “ Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.” (NLT). I took this as confirmation that one day I would visit Israel, but had no idea when or how, thus shelving the idea for the time being. Now, six years after that night, I can confirm that I saw Jerusalem with my own eyes, made possible by God’s schedule and providence, forever changing me.
To walk amongst his chosen people as they immigrate from all over the world back to Israel, to see a prophecy come true in front of your very eyes, is a privilege and a precious gift. Seeing and walking the very place where Paul appeared on trial before Felix in Caesarea, or sitting next to the Galilee where most of the Gospels took place – is something that can not be put into words, but only experienced. Standing at battlefields where small Israeli forces won against far larger armies connected the biblical Israel and modern Israel for me. They are still one and the same.
The very existence of Israel today is proof that they are His people, the very nation chosen by God, and are protected but also disciplined by Him. They are proof that He exists. Zealous 8:2 offers you the opportunity to witness and experience many of these aspects, not only from a historical viewpoint, but also a spiritual one. You will see a place and people largely unknown to you before, come to life.
Israel: Still God’s people, still God’s plan, in God’s time.
-John Wilkins
