Searching for something

I don't know what that title is supposed to mean.

For the past week and a half, I've been reliving the bachelor life. My awesome wife Alisha has been on the opposite side of the planet in Israel, touring the beautiful old country and learning first hand where Jesus, the disciples, and other biblical figures have lived. I really wish I could be there. I think in our American Christianity, we lose sight of the fact that Jesus actually DID live. That King David really WAS a great king and human being, and so on. Too often, I think of biblical people and times as more of stories, like something someone just wrote about. If you were to ask me, I would never say that of course, but the way I live, I would say I act that way. At the very least, we are nearly 2000 years removed from Paul's journeys, and that is the very end of the New Testament. Can I even put a context on 2000+ years?

Would we as Christians live life differently if we really focused on that idea that these people we read about in holy pages were no more or less human than us? I remember seeing a picture of a friend of mine in the middle east - I think Turkey (don't quote me if my history or geography is wrong), where she is standing next to the grave of the Apostle John. I distinctly remember thinking that grave is no different from a grave we make these days. John was real. He was alive. He did preach. He wasn't just someone written about. Then a few days ago, Alisha sent me an email about her experience in Jerusalem walking through an aqueduct created by Hezekiah over 2500 years ago, is STILL bringing usable water into the city this day. Amazing!

Maybe the reason for the argument many non-Christians have about believing something "holy" written by mere men is hard to fathom is based on the fact that we professing Christians don't appear to believe it either? Just a thought.

Take it a step further. Look at the Muslims following Islam. A true Muslim will make the trek to Mecca once in their lifetime. Millions of Muslims make this journey to follow their heritage, their past, and show alliance to one another in their faith. There is some serious dedication there. Could being in the presence of their holy city help solidify their faith?

Like I've said, I don't have a clue if my thoughts are valid. I am definitely not saying wonderful and far more clear objections or subsequent reasons for our lack of apparent faith exist. I am just seeing in my life, living through the experiences of my wife, that the person my eternal soul rests comfortably with, has more value and weight by seeing with open eyes that He IS real, He DID live, He DID die a human death. He tasted the same salty water I have. He has experienced sore feet from walking hills and trails. He was human!

This revelation in my life is a breath of fresh air to my soul.