The Most Glorious of All Lands

“On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most glorious of all lands.”
Ezekiel 20:6

For the past seven months, the Forge Class of 2014 has been studying the history and geography of the nation of Israel. This past March the lessons became sight when we traveled to Israel for a 12-day in-depth study tour. Alongside friends and family who joined us for the adventure, our group trekked through the land of the Bible to explore the theme, “An Opportunity for Faith.” Our tour started in the desert then we worked our way northward to the Sea of Galilee. With many stops in between, we traveled westward towards the Mediterranean Sea before finishing our journey in Jerusalem.

The trip was jam-packed with meaningful moments with one another and in the Word. I learned an important lesson when we hiked in the desert where the nation of Israel wandered for 40 years. The vastness of the desert was breathtaking! As we were hiking I wanted to look around and take it all in. I wanted to sidestep from the group because I saw (what I thought looked like) a more exciting path with a better view. However, I quickly realized that I needed to submit to the wisdom of our tour guide and keep my eyes focused on each step in front of me. Without intentionally taking every step, I would easily misstep and roll my ankle on the rocky terrain.

The hike in the desert was a tangible reminder for me that the life of faith does not require me to know the distant scene or blaze my own trail. The life of faith is to walk intentionally focused on the path that God, in supreme wisdom, has laid out for me right now. He has promised to bring us out of the wilderness and into the land He has prepared for us. Taking the next right step allows me to be in position to take the next right step… The cares and distractions of this world often cause me to lose focus on my Guide, to deviate from the path and to undoubtedly “roll my ankle.” God is a gracious Guide to correct our course and strengthen our feet for each step of the journey. The desert will continue to teach for the rest of my life!

From hidden springs in the desert to mountainous landscape surrounding the Sea of Galilee, it takes only one glance to realize that Israel truly is, “the most glorious of all lands.” A deeper look and you become captivated by the beauty of a place you’ve only previously read about. Suddenly the stories you’ve known for years take on another dimension. To travel to Israel is to “read the Bible in color!“ Join us on a tour next year and come see for yourself!

To join us on future tours to Israel please contact us at forge@pinecove.com

Click here for more information about The Forge.

Cierra Cooke Teaching in Israel

Forge Class of 2014 in Israel

Forge Students in Jeruselam