There are many reasons that people travel to visit Israel these days. Most of those reasons are great. However, there is one reason that I would like to highlight as being more than just great....but wonderful! Touring the land can draw a person closer to God. A trip to Israel for anyone seeking to see God, understand Him, or learn more about Him can be so helpful.
You see, the geographical plot of land that was given to, and is now being occupied by, the Jews is God's chosen stage. He purposefully chose this land to display Himself. It is through the specific history, geography, and unique layout of the land that God used to show Himself to mankind. The glory of God is found in all of creation. But, I would say that this specific land is the pinnacle of that glory revealed. Everything about Israel points to God. For instance, you may never realize the impact of God's revelation of Himself as the strong tower, shepherd, living water, bread of life, or gate until you see how these analogies were woven into the very fabric of Israel and Jewish culture. Every single time I have visited a site from a Biblical account, I have been stunned saying, "Wow, now I understand what that means" or "That means so much more than I ever thought". It helps us to see the application. It moves us to desire more of the discovered truth.
Israel is intended to be a place where the character of God is to be understood in all aspects of everyday life, and the ways of God are to govern lifestyle and culture. And, at least in some degree, that has happened over the course of Israel's dynamic history. There are strong components of Jewish culture that have been preserved over their tumultuous history that can only be a result of divine preservation. God has chosen this people and stamped His glory into their being. It cannot be escaped. You can see it in their agriculture, customs, traditions, sociology, craftiness, and even success.
There are lessons to be learned for the believer today by studying some very distinctively Jewish customs. Biblical truths come alive and take on infinitely more relevancy and depth when you understand their origin and experience their context. There is a much needed emotional connection with the purposes of God that can penetrate deep into your heart when you behold the beauty of God's specifically chosen settings to reveal Himself - the mountaintops, the springs, the valleys, the vegetation, and the wonders of the desert. Our faith can be renewed from seeing the numerous archeological treasures that reveal God's love and plan for His children.
A study tour through the land of Israel can be like a mysterious wonder filled discovery of the awesome character of God. Then, its like seeing a personal connection as though finding your own long lost roots. It is thrilling to experience living physical and historical proof that God is exactly who He says He is. This encourages you, so that you can set your life journey to experience him every single day wherever you are.
God built a stage on which to reveal Himself in all His glory to mankind. That stage is called Israel. Any seeker who desires to see God and know more about Him will be abundantly blessed by taking a methodical and analytical walk throughout this wonderful stage. You will see Him close up like never before!
