Walking on and through water. Israel is about faith

News From Jerusalem

by Tom Brennan,

Just the other day the US State Department issued a travel advisory about Israel. It declared that Americans should rethink travel because of increased violence. Unfortunately someone has been asleep at the switch. The violence was at its all time high last summer and fall. Not a peep from DC. Somehow my cynicism has started acting up again and the current campaign against PM Netanyahu and rush to conclude a Neville Chamberlain type “peace in my time” agreement with Iran seems to be more than a coincidence. As groups cede allegiance to The Caliphate in Libya and Yemen, both of which were previously cooperating with war against Jihadists until Washington helped unseat friendly governments, Israel is seeing enemies North and South, as are Egypt and Jordan while DC dithers about climate change and jobs for Jihadists. Trying to clumsily harm and punish Israel financially is too obvious a trick. So, how about that tour you have planned? Is your faith strong? Are you committed?

The Sea of Galilee has seen so much of Israel’s history. When you visit Israel you can ride a boat that tours the places where Jesus’ fishermen disciples and chosen men worked. It was a place where a battle in Israel’s last revolt occurred and a boat from that time has been found and preserved. It is the place where a risen Messiah called to His friends, “have you eaten yet?” and prepared their breakfast for them. It’s where Shimon Kepha (Peter) walked on the water, until he realized he couldn’t and sank at his own disbelief. His Teacher hauled him up and into the boat and reminded him that He was the reason he could defy the laws of physics.

The Red Sea was a barrier to escape as the Israelites found themselves pursued by a vengeful Pharaoh and hundreds of battle chariots. Although there were warriors under Joshua, the end looked grim and they would go down fighting. Then Moses was told to raise the staff of authority and the waves began to pull back. Eyes grew wide as chariot wheels and Moses ordered the refugees into the gap. Surrounded by huge walls of water and watching fish swim past, the people hurried as best they could, old and young, on foot and on donkeys and with Joshua’s men covering the retreat of their beloved families. The obedient and disciplined Egyptians gave full pursuit and most likely became mired in the sand and soft surface that had just been under tens of feet of water. When the last of the rearguard sprinted to land, the walls crashed over the unfortunate soldiers. The sea foam was their epitaph.

The Sea of Galilee saw a mortal man walk on water until his lack of faith sank him. His Teacher reminded him that He alone could change the laws of physics if Peter believed in Him. Moses obediently and faithfully extended a wooden pole and tons of water parted to make an escape route for the Chosen People. Faith overwhelmed the apparent laws of nature and beat impossible odds. Today as prejudiced press and media lie about Israel and spread an insidious web of anti-Semitism, an administration with questionable motives tries to betray Israel. Show your faith in G-d’s promises to preserve The Land and plan and book that tour. Buy something made in Israel to show friends and family. Invest in an Israeli start-up business. The lake may be deep but He said we can walk on it. The waves will part and we will walk through them if we trust. Standing with Israel is an expression of faith and obedience to the Highest Authority.

http://www.thejerusalemgiftshop.com/israelnews/