5 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Matthew 8:5-6 (CSB): “When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, pleading with him, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony.’”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
I know that it is relatively expensive but I think that every single Christian should at least make an attempt to visit Israel at some time in their life. In doing so, it can bring many of the Bible stories to life.
As we read Matthew 8 in today’s Bible readings, we realize that Jesus was in a town called Capernaum. It’s where a centurion (who built the city’s synagogue) pleaded with Jesus to heal his young slave. It’s where Peter lived and where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law. It’s where Jesus healed a whole lot of people of diseases. In fact, Jesus probably spent a lot of time in this city when He was roaming the hills of Galilee.
Some of these stories come to life when you visit present-day Israel. It is currently a 21st century country with a massive amount of ruins. But, as you walk among those ruins, and look at the landscape around you, some of the stories that you have read for years can come to life.
So, what’s 1st century Capernaum like today? You can check out a blog I wrote with some pictures and videos by clicking here. You can also purchase ($2.99/Kindle download) and read chapter 16 (“Capernaum”) in a digital book that I wrote after my wife and I took a trip to Israel. It’s titled: “Taking a Trip to Israel: Pictures, Videos, Reflections, and Tips from a Trip to the Holy Land.”
You could also go to Youtube and view a lot of videos that people have captured on their trips to the Holy Land. To view just one of the many cool videos that do an incredible job of orienting you to the location, click here for a 10-minute video.
I guess that this post is just my attempt to encourage you not simply to read the Bible. I also want to encourage you to explore the world that the Bible was written in. Learn about the cultures, the landscapes, … everything! Because as you learn more about the world that the Bible was written in, it will bring your Bible study time to life!
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Lord Jesus, thank You so much that I live in an era in which technology makes it possible to experience places that I may never be able to visit. I want my time in Your Word to be informed and to have an incredible impact upon me so I pray that You would instill within me an even greater hunger to learn about the world in which You wrote Your Word. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 