A Journey To Jerusalem

In 2020 the government of Nigeria said that they had set aside more than 6 million dollars to fund the programmes and activities of the National Hajj Commission and Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (which are responsible for Islamic and Christian pilgrimages) for the year 2021. This journey has not only become an important part of the faith of many, but it has also become one of the areas where some have their own share of the so-called national cake. I'm not opposed to Pilgrimage as I believe it does offer some benefits, but I want to show you something even better.

There is a very interesting discussion Jesus had with a woman at Jacob's well. The woman asked Jesus a very important spiritual geographical question: 'Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where it is necessary to worship.' (John 4:19-20). The woman wanted to know which location offers one better access to God. Just as many people prefer to pray on the mountain, the woman was raised to think worshiping God is better done on the mountain. However, she was wondering why some hold the opinion that it is in Jerusalem that one can experience a better connection to God.

The lady expected Jesus to take sides between those who want to worship on the mountain and those who prefer Jerusalem. But Jesus instead revealed God's desire in terms of worship. He answered: 'Believe me, woman, that an hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. ..an hour is coming'and now is here'when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for indeed the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and the ones who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.'(John 4:21,23,24). What God desires from us is true spiritual worship and this can be achieved from anywhere you are. There is no more geographical limitation.

Paul wrote about salvation in such a beautiful way: 'Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down) or, 'Who will descend into the Abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? 'The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,' that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.' (Romans 10:6-10). What a beautiful passage! You don't need to go anywhere, the word has come near unto you. Salvation is right where you are if only you will 'confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart.

The word has come near unto you! Right where you are, you can experience the power and salvation of God. Maybe you want to see some important historical relics to believe, but that is probably unnecessary. Jesus told Thomas, 'Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.' (John 20:29). Wow, the blessing is not in seeing and believing as some people claim. The real blessing is believing first even when you are yet to see. The beautiful thing is that the Spirit of God touches your heart in such a way that you're so sure something remarkable has happened to you. 'The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ'if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him' (Romans 8:16-17).

You don't have to journey to Jerusalem or Mecca, you can experience the touch and love of God right where you are. It is definitely something to shout about.