Tommy Jones' Journey

When God called Abram out of Ur of the Chaldees, He gave him one simple command: “walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you”.

Walk the land! What a joy I had for 2 weeks in literally “walking the land” of Israel with my Uncle Neal and Aunt Ruby. I had been to Israel previously on a tour.
The tour was fine but it seemed as if I spent more time waiting in a line or sitting in a bus than seeing the land and its biblical/historical sites.

This time, I was able to move about the land in freedom. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. I learned more about the Old City, the Walls and the layout of Jerusalem than I could have on a tour. The view from our apartment in Jerusalem was spectacular to say the least. I woke up every day with the sounds of swallows flitting here and there and the sun rising on the Dome of the Rock.

I could experience the sounds and sights of a people living in the city. I ate at the finest restaurants. The food was the best I’ve ever had…hands down.

I was able to put on my backpack and go into the city freely and take pictures, meet people, walk atop the walls---experience the life of Jerusalem. The quiet times in the Holy Sepulchre were special then and now. Visiting the sites without crowds was unbelievable. God must have set our agenda.

My time in Sepphoris was beyond description. We stayed in a quiet, country moshav. I had a room that overlooked the valleys heading to Nazareth. To think I was hanging out in Jesus’ backyard was surreal. I could imagine Him as a boy running around, climbing trees and playing games.

Sepphoris was a place of tranquility and rest. It was slow-paced, rural even. I loved getting a basket of food each morning with the best milk I’ve ever tasted, along with fresh goat’s milk yogurt. Sepphoris was our home base during our time in the Galilee.

My time in Dan was beyond description: the woods, the river, and the quiet. Uncle Neal was the best guide possible. He knows more than most guides do. I learned a great deal and was able to become part of the land.

Joppa blew me away. The beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean stretched out beyond the horizon. Visiting Simon the Tanner’s home was special. The food was even better. It is a beach resort town and the pace winds down to leisurely strolls.

I saw more than I ever did on a tour. I experienced more than I ever did on a tour. What a trip. It’s residue hangs on me still. I may never get to go on that type of trip again.

I think the one experience that still sticks with me is my time on the Southern steps of the Temple. I was there when the Jews were celebrating the Feast of Weeks or Shavuot. For me, it was the time of Pentecost. I believe that I was in the general area of Peter’s first sermon on Pentecost.

To look out and see where Peter had wept after his denial of knowing Jesus, and to see where Judas hung himself was so moving. I could write for hours. I could talk about every place, every site, etc. Thanks Uncle Neal and Aunt Ruby! I love you for making this possible for me.