Monday, July 8, 2019

Making the Most of the Journey


Flying each year into Israel on our HaDerekh Youth Israel Aliyah can become pretty routine. It’s a combined journey of usually about 24 hours and 7,000 miles through three airports, leading eight individuals, all in their late teens or early 20’s. But after 11 trips with different groups of Messianic Jewish young adults, I have developed a pretty good plan for moving us along our journey to the Land of Israel.

Even though our journey to the Land has developed into somewhat of a routine, I would never want our trip to actually be routine. A meaningful journey can never be accomplished on auto pilot. It must be engaged thoughtfully, intentionally and joyfully. Life is an adventure and I for one want to live it to the fullest. I want these Israel trips to be challenging, to stay fresh and to be provocative.

But real life isn’t a series of extreme sports. Real life is living out our time focused on the journey God has for us to pursue. Time is a precious gift from God, and marking time focusing on worldly pleasures is a waste of that precious gift. Paul’s challenge in Ephesians 5:15-17 resonates deeply within me:

“So pay close attention to how you walk —not as unwise people but as wise. Make the most of your time because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (TLV)

Let us celebrate the completion of our 11th HaDerekh Youth Israel Aliyah by intentionally and thoughtfully seeking out God’s expected will for the journey of our lives, making the most of our time for Him!

Forward for Messiah,
Kirk Gliebe
Rabbi & Director

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