by Bridget Wagner, guest contributor to Bible Lands Explorer
Visiting the Sea of Galilee. That’s Bridget, guest author, on the left.
I became a believer in high school; making disciples is not a new concept to me. I’ve led small groups for years and the Lord has walked with me through several trials and dark seasons. Going to Israel, the Lord adjusted my vision and gave me a much deeper understanding of His Word.
The Chantilly group in the area of Mary’s well. Nazareth. Orthodox tradition suggests that in this place Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive, give birth to a son, and name him Jesus. See Luke 1:26-38 here. Image by Melinda.
To SEE where events happened, to STAND where history was made, and to GRASP the meanings behind parables and stories brings a whole new dynamic to my Bible reading and ultimately my walk with the Lord.
Visiting the Western Wall at night. The wall is not actually part of the ancient YHWH temple in Jerusalem, but rather is one face of an enormous platform built in the Herodian period. The platform supported porches, open courtyards, walls, and, in the center, the Second Temple. The “men’s side” of the Western Wall is pictured here. Image by Tess.
More than once, when standing at a site, hearing His Word and reflecting on what was being said and taught I became overwhelmed as the Holy Spirit removed walls and barriers that I didn’t even know I had. I am able to love the Lord deeper and I have a stronger passion for His work and His children!
Baptism in the Jordan River. The folk going into the water on left hand side of the photograph are in Israel-Palestine. The folk on the far bank are in the country of Jordan. Here at Qasr Yehud they meet. Image by Amy.
Since I’ve been back, each day at work I have felt a tug at my heart as I realize I need to do things differently. I need to seek out the lost. I need to be more patient. I need to care more genuinely. Maybe most important, I need to love more deeply. By making these small moves to be more like Jesus my actions will speak louder than my words as I GO! MAKE DISCIPLES!
Visiting the Israel Museum with the troop from New Life Christian Church, Chantilly, Virginia.
Bridget Wagner was a member of the Bible Land Explorer group that traveled to Israel-Palestine in November of 2018. She makes her home in Centreville, Virginia.