The Western Wall, this has been our second time visiting it, but I must be honest and say that today I actually had a chance to get a better feel for it. As I approached the wall, walking on to the side for the women, I have sense of overwhelming come upon me. These people have such a grounded faith that it leaves me in awe just to think about them. The closer I came to the wall, the more I can sense a longing and aspiration, vibrating off the women around me. All their faith, compassion and devotion can be seen reverberating off of them in just a quick glance. They are all facing the wall, and for those lucky enough, are actually leaning up against the wall crying, shouting or even mumbling their feelings to God, as they pray over their families, life and most importantly the country of Israel. I couldn't help but want to find my way towards the wall myself! As I put a prayer in the wall (just something that I wrote quickly), I prayed as well. Not only for Israel itself, but most importantly for its people. The devoted people living in this beautiful country.
I guess the most important aspect of today, was being up close and personal to the other major religions of Israel. Not just the Jews but the Muslims as well. The only thing we Americans probably ever learn about the Muslims is that their a bad people group, who are believing the wrong things. I on the other hand was fortunate enough o grow up with some friends who were of the Muslim faith. Even with that, I could still never grasp why their faith was so deep. They're people just like you and me, yet they are treated as scum of the Earth not just by Americans who only base their views by what's being shown on the television, but also by we Christians as well. Muslims are just as faith, if not more devoted to their faith than many of us are yet we're the one's always casting the stones. I don't think Jesus would have ever wanted us to be living out this way.
We call ourselves followers of Christ, yet we can't except people for who they are. Yes, I know we all can get a little excited and want to proclaim the gospel to every single person we come in contact with. After today, I see Muslims, Jews and any other person of a different religion than I as a brother or sister. In my eyes they still have the same heavenly Father as me, they're just being miss guided, if you will. God works are great, and have gave us all freewill, so we can't hate another group for not believing in God the only thing we can do as Christians, true followers of Christ, is to love them with all our hearts, pray that God will open up their eyes, and then maybe one day, by God's grace they'll come to terms with Him.
Religion s a funny thing. They're so many of them, yet everyone thinks they have the right one picked out. We think we have the dominant religion. But what I think is that the people who are the most devoted, faithful and willing to pursue their God, are the true followers and believers. Today my eyes were opened, and I praise God for that blessing!
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