This trip with my sister has taught me a lot more than historical events and ancient places. We spent a lot of time in both Egypt + Israel, but seeing the ancient landmarks and biblical locations in Israel made me think a lot.
One of the many cities we explored while in Israel, was the city of Nazerath; Jesus’ hometown. One thing a couple friends and I were talking about was change and how we, as people, will naturally grow and change the longer we live. We talked about prophets and their home towns not accepting them as changed people. I went to Capernwray Harbour Bible School on Thetis island in BC, Canada in 2012/13 – the fall after I graduated from high school. So like 6 years ago. I remember what it was like to go back home after living out on the island studying God’s Word day in and day out. I changed. God changed me. I didn’t fit into the shape that I had before I left.
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown”
– Luke 4:24
As my friends and I walked through ancient cities, ruins, etc. some of which used to be palaces, cathedrals, churches, and so on. I realized that these places and spaces have taken many shapes before we saw them on our trip. Constructed hundreds – even thousands of years ago! Some places were once magnificent buildings that have since crumbled, or grand places that have been destroyed and rebuilt over and over. Even still, some buildings and city walls we’d seen were added to and had now become something different than what they were originally constructed for.
All these things made me think about how we as people have changed just like these buildings and ruins have. Some of us have crumbled, been destroyed and rebuilt, others have been transformed into something new and different – None of us are the same person that we once were. I know I’m not the same person I was in high school, before bible school, during bible school or even after bible school. I’ve changed even more since going to college, being in college, graduating from college and now being in my career! I have constantly been changing (or was being changed) as my life evolved. It is good to grow. It’s great to embrace change and to welcome new things that God has in store for us.
I don’t mean to say that we will be ruined like these cities – But at the same time our bodies won’t last forever, just like these buildings haven’t lasted forever. Our bodies will waste away just like these ruins have. And that’s how God intended it – Because He is constructing something more magnificent than these structures for us in eternity.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you will always be with me where I am.” -John: 14:3
Keep growing my friends. Continue pursuing change + adventures that will help you to grow and embrace change. Always find your satisfaction in Christ, but never be satisfied with where you are currently – Strive to become more like Christ.
– Stay Satisfied
