Over the past month a number of people (including my mom) have expressed their concern about my plans to live in Israel. Much of this concern is likely derivative of sensationalized news reports and misinformation. While I conceed that there exists at least the possibility that something bad might happen, I refuse to live in a posture of fear.
One of my favorite snapshots in Scripture is in 1 Sam. 14, as Johnathan and his armor bearer approach a garrison of Philistine troops. Hopelessly outnumbered, Jonathan suggests, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.”
We do things a bit differently. When we set out to do something seemingly great, we immediately ponder all the risks in order to ensure that our success is more or less a foregone conclusion–even if God doesn’t show up. We may thank God when things turn out for our benefit; however, all we’ve really succeeded in doing is projecting a practical sort of atheism cloaked in religious jargon.
What if we lived differently?
What if we trusted the sovereign hand of the One who breathed worlds into being, pieced us together in our mothers’ womb, condescended to display His burning heart, and has thrust the whole of creation on a specific and unalterable trajectory?
At its core, The Jerusalem Experiment is an attempt to trust God to do that which is utterly out of my control, and therefore, whatever happens, The Jerusalem Experiment will work to glorify Him.
For more on Fear and Atheism, check out my personal blog (www.bryanmcinnis.wordpress.com)
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If someone living 6,000 miles away were to see headlines in their local news of every killing in Minneapolis (60 in 2006), they may generalize and decide that they would never come to Minnesota of their own free will.
However, if they came to understand that as terrible as each act of violence is, these events are rather localized, and that locals could advise them of areas and/or times of day most prone to violence, perhaps they would come to see the Twin Cities as most of its residents do: deeply grieved over the violence and eager to address it AND reasonable comfortable and secure.
I love it Bryan, I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for you!!!