No one: Hey, it would be fun to revisit your trip to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel in 2019. For the next few days, you should post letters describing each day.
Me: Say less
Dear Friends,
I hope this letter finds you all well and filled with the grace of our Lord. I am sharing with you some incredible experiences from my recent journey that invigorated my faith.
Imagine waking up to the sound of fighter maneuvers echoing over the hotel, a reminder of the vastness of the world and its complexities. These moments of awe and wonder filled my days as I traversed through lands steeped in biblical history.
One such place was Nain, where Jesus performed a miraculous compassion that echoes through the ages. In Luke 7:11-17, we read of Jesus encountering a funeral procession. A widow mourns the loss of her only son, and Jesus, moved by compassion, commands the young man to rise from the dead. The crowd is stunned, glorifying God for this great miracle.
This narrative intertwines beautifully with the story of the Shunammite woman, found in 2 Kings 4:8-37. Through her kindness to the prophet Elisha, she is blessed with a son, only to face the tragedy of his sudden death. Yet, through Elisha’s intervention, the boy is restored to life, showcasing the power of divine compassion and restoration.
These tales of loss and restoration resonate deeply with our own human experiences, reminding us of God’s enduring compassion and power. Hebrews 12:22-24 reminds us that we are connected to the heavenly Jerusalem, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, including Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.
Our journey continued to Megiddo and Mt. Carmel, sites imbued with biblical significance. At Megiddo, we stood upon the mound overlooking the Valley of Jezreel, synonymous with Armageddon, a testament to the unfolding of prophecy. And atop Mt. Carmel, we reflected on Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal, a reminder of God’s sovereignty over all.
As we journeyed towards Jerusalem, we followed the historic Beth-Horon road, passing through ancient Gibeon and beholding the majestic city from atop Mt. Scopus. Knowing that we stood upon sacred ground was a moment of profound reverence.
In Acts 9:30- 31, we are reminded of the peace and growth that come from walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Like the early church, our journey is one of faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s providence.
I pray that these reflections on my journey bring you encouragement and inspiration. May we continue to walk in the footsteps of our Lord, ever mindful of His compassion and grace.
With love and blessings,
‌~PW 🌮🛶
Phillip W. Martin 
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