My Christian Haj

One of Islam's five pillars is the obligation of every male to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his lifetime. This trip is known as a Haj, and it is foremost in the mind of every devout Muslim. Today (May 20) I began my own pilgrimage, a trip to Israel for spiritual renewal. I'm going with a group of 20+ Los Angeles-area church planting pastors, with the intent of hearing from God and discovering a sense of refreshment and growth.

Historically, people have undertaken pilgrimages in hopes of encountering God, or meeting Him in a new way.  In some belief systems and traditions, the presence of God is stronger in particular locations.  But as a follower of Jesus, I recognize that His presence does not inhabit a certain geographic spot.  You can't GPS God's place, because His presence is within and among His people.  He does not live in a building made with human hands, but in the hearts and lives of those who claim allegiance to Him. 

Therefore, I can encounter God anywhere, as I journey through life, regardless of where I might be. Yet a trip like this has significance because it takes me to the physical roots and beginnings of my faith.  To be where Jesus once was, where he walked, taught, laughed, wept, and poured himself out is to find him all over again.  Some call this experience the Fifth Gospel, able to add a three-dimensional reality to the other four...as well as a new dimension to our faith.

My Muslim friends make their Haj because they must.  It is an obligation of their faith.  Such an exercise is not required of our faith (we are, after all, perpetual pilgrims in this world)...but it can be of great benefit.  I hope to discover some of that benefit over the next two weeks.  My aim is to not simply visit sacred sites and find excitement in experiencing that of which I have read and studied for so many years (although I'm certain that will happen), but to discover a real renewal in both body and spirit. To rest from a hectic life schedule that too often obstructs the discipline of being still before the Lord. To hear God in freshness and find Him anew. To strengthen my spiritual roots and life in Him. 

And to renew my call to pilgrimage...each day of my life.