I haven’t traveled to the Bible lands, and I’m sure a lot of you haven’t either. Aside from Jerusalem, Rome, etc., there are a few places I’d like to see:
- Ephesus, Sardis and Laodicea — Of course, I’d love to see the sites of all 7 churches from Revelation, but I’d especially like to see those three. Ephesus just because I know of the incredible ruins that are there, Sardis because I’d like to see the mountain fortress that fell because of a lack of vigilance, and Laodicea because I’d like to see for myself the nearby hot and cold springs.
- The road from Jericho to Jerusalem — Not just because of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, but also because of the Psalms of Ascent. I’d like to see that road that goes up to Jerusalem.
- The wilderness of Sin — I’d like to see where the Israelites wandered for 40 years, to have a better feel for what they went through and how God provided for them.
The list could go on and on, of course. There isn’t a biblical site that I wouldn’t want to see. I’d love to visit Galilee and the Jordan River. I’d love to see the mountains where David hid from Saul, the likely sites of Sinai/Horeb and the crossing of the Red Sea. But I guess the ones I listed are some of the more unusual ones.
Where would you visit if you had the chance? Or have you been there?
The Holiest Land I’ve ever been to, I guess, would be the Cane Ridge Meetinghouse where the Holy Spirit ignited one of the great spiritual revivals in American history.
That, or maybe living in Nashville, the Mecca of Churches of Christ?
Srsly, though – I would love LOVE LOVE to go on one of Ray Vander Laan’s Israel In Depth tours. Being led to see the land the way the ancient writers of Scripture saw it… it takes my breath away just imagining it.
I’m very blessed to have spent a day in Ephesus (LOVED LOVED LOVED it… ), and been to the Acropolis in Athens and seen where Paul preached. And Rome… I would love to visit the area around where Capernaum was. My grandfather visited Palestine (as it was then) during WW2 and was very affected by his time there.
Ephesus without question.
been to ephesus, a minor thing that stuck out was a plague of tiny frogs that day.
but amazing site.
lived in Rome. could have spent every day hanging out in the forum.
been to athens, read from Acts on Mar’s Hill. amazingly small and simple, but a fantastic view of the nearby Parthenon
been to patmos, seen Orthodox church built on alleged site of John’s cave/quarters. remember priest who hocked a huge, gross loogy and spit while our group was passing through. still not sure if it was personal.
been too blessed already but still hope to make a trip to Jerusalem someday
Why all this talk about Israel and surrounding areas? I grew up in North Alabama and other areas of the buckle of the Bible belt … the REAL holy land.
I have no desire to travel over there in that war torn country, but I have been to West Virginia (almost heaven ya know) :)
We went to the Holy Lands two years ago with a church group and it was wonderful. Jerusalem is beautiful, Calvary and the place said to be Jesus’ tomb was breathtaking. My wife was so overcome by being at Calvary that she burst into tears and could not be consoled.
The Garden of Gethsemane was another highlight to visit.
The Sea of Galilee is also beautiful as is Galilee as a whole. After having been to the Dead Sea area, it’s easy to see why they thought of Galilee as the land of milk and honey.
I could go on and on, but will just say go if you have a chance, go and use a good tour guide company.
As far as security the only people that mad me nervous were the Israeli soldiers with their machine guns. The Arabs were very cordial to all of us, just don’t take their pictures, some of the Bedouins don’t like that.