I’ve been preparing for our Israel trip by reading Augustine’s Confessions. [Doesn’t everyone?]
OK, it’s not totally strange, as for the past few days in all the controlled chaos of shopping, collecting supplies, packing…I’ve tried to determine what I’m going to do/read in the 10+ hours of travel. And I got hooked on this book. It’s one of those that I’ve started and stopped at a previous time, and now wondering why I never kept reading.
And so, the early morning hours of our departure day, I read this quote
“For what is nearer to thine ears than a confessing heart, and a life of faith?”
It struck me as we are traveling over 5,000 miles for the trip of a lifetime, that maybe some people do it in an attempt to be nearer to God.
Yet what Augustine was referring to is the reality that we are not nearer to God in any particular city, or holy land – only thru confession of faith in God’s Son, Jesus. Paul writes,
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13 ESV)
Jesus is our Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer. He is our way to God. While Melanie and I look forward to walking where He walked, and absorbing all the spiritual realities, and Biblical history – we are thankful that Jesus did what no place ever could – reconcile sinners to God.
More posts and pictures to come. Next stop Israel!
Mike Ruel 
Praying for you and Mel. Have a great trip.
Praying for safety and to be blessed in a mighty way!!