Travel Tour of Israel
Join Fred Witzig in the Holy Land
Take a virtual tour of the Holy Land with these videos, recorded at key stops along the group's route in 2023. The theme of the trip was "Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done, On Earth as it is In Heaven." Special thanks to Bro. Justin Koch (Washington) who recorded these sessions.
NOTE: This tour was not sponsored by the ETR. The views expressed in these videos do not necessarily reflect those of the Elder Body of the ACCA.
Map of Israel Tour Sites
Day 1 #1 Church Perspective
Fred encourages an open mindset about visiting non-Protestant church buildings.
Day 1 #2 Joppa
At Joppa, wood arrived for Solomon's temple, Jonah found a ship to take him away from Nineveh, and Peter raised Tabitha from the dead. We see connections to Jesus as the new and perfected Jonah. We consider what it means to express allegiance to Jesus as when Peter obeyed.
Day 1 #3 Caesarea Maritima
A showcase city of Roman power and wealth, consider what it meant for Paul to make his bold defense to King Agrippa here (Acts 26). Paul was following direction from his Lord Jesus to testify about his faith, unashamed of the gospel.
Day 1 #4 Mt Carmel
A symbol of beauty and indication of God's blessing on the land, this mountain was the site of Elijah's challenges to Baal and Ahaziah, and Elisha's dealings with the Shunamite woman. God's prophets demonstrated allegiance to God in this place.
Day 2 #1 Megiddo Gate
Ruth chapter 4 speaks of Boaz sitting in the city gates. Wise people of the city gathered in rooms built into the gates to make judgments about issues facing the people of the city.
Day 2 #2 Megiddo
Allow the features of the valley of Jezreel to fuel your imagination as we relive Bible stories about many battles, Israelite judges and kings, and foreign powers from the distant and recent past. Revelation tells us that Jesus will here defeat the armies of the world by the Word of his mouth one day.
Day 3 #1 Caesarea Philippi
Jesus brought his disciples a long distance to preach a short sermon from the heart of this pagan worship site which was filled with many idol temples. Known as the Gates of Hell, this spot was the spiritual headquarters of demonic powers. Yet Peter declared Jesus to be the Anointed Son of the Living God from this very place. The Father reveals his truth and power to those who listen and invests his authority in those who confess the ultimate Lordship of Jesus Christ. The Gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church!
Day 4 #1 Sunday Jordan River
Moses overlooked the promised land across the Jordan and Joshua crossed it in faith. Jesus the Son was baptized in this river in the presence of the Father and the Spirit. His baptism significantly proclaimed Jesus to be the new and perfect king and prophet. We enter his reign through baptism.
Day 4 #2 EnGedi
David dwelt in strongholds among the goats in the wilderness of En Gedi when he fled from the wrath of Saul. In one of these caves, David's struggle between revenge and trust played out (1 Sam 24).
Day 5 #1 Masada
Masada may not be a strictly “biblical” site, but it’s still an incredible place with a powerful story to tell. Here, a group chose to take their own lives rather than be ruled by a foreign power, a choice that still echoes in the world today. For Christians, our victory comes not through violence, but by following Jesus’ example of ultimate self-sacrifice.
Day 5 #2 Shepherds
Herod was a cruel and ruthless ruler. Jesus was born right in the shadow of Herod’s symbols of power and glory. In Matthew’s Gospel, the promises of the prophets come alive in the story of his miraculous birth. Jesus brought a new kind of kingdom built on peace, not force, right in the middle of a world ruled by brutal political and military power.
Day 6 #1 Mount of Olives
This mount overlooks Jerusalem, a place Jesus often visited. David passed by here during his flight from the city, and Solomon later built altars to false gods on its slopes. Nearby lived Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Here Jesus wept, taught, prayed in Gethsemane, and later rose and ascended in victory. Believers share in that glory and will welcome Jesus here again! Bros. Matt Zimmerman (St. Louis) and Grant Herrmann (Princeville) add.
Day 6 #2 Caiaphas House
Here, at Caiaphas’s house, Jesus stood trial and was held in a dark dungeon, surrounded by enemies. This short video invites you to pause and reflect in the beauty of the place. For meditation, read Matthew 26.
Day 7 #1 Garden Tomb
We long for King Jesus to reign over our troubled world. Unlike distant earthly rulers, Jesus knows and loves each of his people personally. He is our Friend. The most powerful One in the universe is also the boy who grew up here, beginning and ending his ministry in the Holy Land. The good news of the gospel is that he came to rescue us and is coming again!
