ISRAEL 2022: DAY 9

Gamla, Caesarea Philippi, Omrit

The Golan Heights area of Israel is 700 square miles of tempting, northern frontierland; it lures me into wanderlust. Peering over the border into Syria, I long to put another foot forward. Staring at the heights of Mt. Hermon in the distance, I wonder if Damascus can be seen from its high points. Wonder and wander weave me together; for all of us, there’s a warning in such intensity. Our feelings and desires require cultivation…pruning…if you will. We cannot wander for the sake of getting lost; we cannot wonder for the mere pleasure of distraction. Christians are called to a mission, and we always have a purpose.

“Come with me from Lebanon, my bride, come with me from Lebanon. Descend from the crest of Amana, from the top of Senir, the summit of Hermon, from the lions’ dens and the mountain haunts of leopards” (Song of Songs 4:8).