We were blessed with two things on our way to Jerusalem this afternoon. First, many of us were baptized in the Jordan River where Jesus Himself was baptized. On previous trips, we were baptized at a site near the Sea of Galilee. However, the more authentic site is now open. It was a great experience. (Multiple baptisms is nothing more than a fun, memorable experience. Baptism doesn’t save, it is simply a testimony to our identification of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.)

We have two of Israel’s premier guides, both of whom are very connected militarily in Israel. (Both are highly sought after by very high ranking foreign dignitaries.) Because of those connections, and our church’s strong personal connections with them, we were able to get on to the base of Israeli Unit 217, one of the most elite strike force units in the world. Their mission is to take out terrorists (primarily in the West Bank) before they terrorize. Israeli intelligence is human intelligence (not satellites, radars, etc), thus they are very precise in identifying targets, and in taking them out.

After sharing with us what they do, we were able to provide many needed items for them. Unlike in American military, Israeli soldiers are issued a uniform and little else. The defense budget in Israel must go to actual defense…and they rely upon donations for other basic needs such as under shirts, socks, jackets, etc. As we did at the children’s safe house, we unloaded amazing piles of supplies for this unit of soldiers. They were so grateful.

Though we were able to take pictures with them, we were sternly warned not to put them on the internet, for fear of revealing their identity and blowing their cover. We were not allowed to take pictures anywhere other than in that room with them.

Then, to Jerusalem! I hope you read Romans 11. Remember in Caesarea by the Sea (2/28/14 post), where we learned that the Gospel first went to the Gentiles? Well, why did it? Romans 11 answers the question! You see, Jews were God’s chosen people, but they rejected Him. They did not recognize Him as the Messiah when He came to earth. Thus, Daniel 9 teaches us that God pressed the pause button on human history.

But why!?! Romans 11! Because the Jews rejected Jesus as Messiah, God opened up that opportunity during that “pause” in history to Gentiles! It DOESN’T mean God has given up on His people, the Jews. Just that He had a duel purpose in the pause. For God so loved the WORLD! Jesus loved us (Gentiles) and provided a way. However, that way also provokes jealousy in Jews, so they too might come to the fountain of grace and recognize their Messiah. We’re still living in that pause, by the way!

So, what does that have to do with Jerusalem, you ask! Good question…let me explain. Many Gentile believers have an incredible sense of being “home” when they enter Jerusalem. Why? Because Gentile believers are “grafted in” to the Jewish lineage and are now a part of God’s chosen people! Thus, the overwhelming sense of “at homeness” when entering the holy city of Jerusalem. Indeed, the Bible talks about our eternal home in the new Jerusalem. It will be so much better even than the current Jerusalem!

So there you have it in a nutshell! I’ve written an entire study about our privilege of looking for our Blessed Hope! If you are interested in more, let me know and I’ll do my best to provide an opportunity for you to join a study.

Well, we’re in the city now! For the next few days we’ll take in all the sites and experiences and I’ll do my best to share!

Slalom from Jerusalem!